Yonsei Med J.  2005 Oct;46(5):724-728. 10.3349/ymj.2005.46.5.724.

Barotraumatic Perforation of Pharyngoesophagus by Explosion of a Bottle into the Mouth

• Lee JK
• Lim SC

• KMID: 2158157
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2005.46.5.724

Abstract

Pharyngoesophageal perforation from an exploding bottle is an extremely rare injury. To date, twenty-four cases have been documented in English literature. In this study, we reported two additional cases of pharyngoesophageal perforation by a bottle exploding in the mouth. Explosion of the bottle occurred when the patients removed the cap of a home-made wine bottle with their teeth, which resulted in pharyngoesophageal perforation. The patients were managed by conservative treatment and operative repair, respectively. Both patients had an uneventful recovery. Possible mechanisms and preventive measures are discussed in this study, along with a review of the literature.

Keyword

Explosion; bottle; pharynx; esophagus; perforation

MeSH Terms

Pharynx/*injuries
Male
Humans
Female
Explosions
Esophageal Perforation/*etiology
Barotrauma/*etiology
Aged

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Computed tomography of the neck shows extensive emphysema and hematoma obstructing the oropharyngeal airway.

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  Fig. 2 Pharyngoscopy shows a full-thickness laceration along the posterior pharyngeal wall extending to the cricopharyngeus.

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