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. 2009 Summer;9(2):54-9.

Update on the diagnosis and treatment of caustic ingestion

Update on the diagnosis and treatment of caustic ingestion

Michael Lupa et al. Ochsner J. 2009 Summer.

Abstract

Caustic ingestion is a serious medical problem with a variety of clinical presentations and a complicated clinical course. This article reviews the epidemiology and pathophysiology of caustic ingestion as well as the most current approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Finally, a recent case will be presented that highlights the difficulty this problem poses to a medical team.

Keywords: Caustic ingestion; caustic substance; corrosive injury; corrosive substance; endoscopy; esophageal stricture.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Endoscopic view of the epiglottis and vocal cords 4 days after ingestion.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Endoscopic view of the epiglottis and vocal cords 11 days after ingestion.

References

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