Pneumomediastinum and retropneumoperitoneum: an unusual complication of syrup-of-ipecac-induced emesis.

Abstract

A young woman returned to the emergency department two hours after discharge because of persistent vomiting and chest pain. Six hours earlier she had received syrup of ipecac to induce emesis following a drug overdose. Radiologic examination in the emergency department revealed pneumomediastinum and retropneumoperitoneum. A nasogastric tube was inserted in the emergency department. The patient was admitted to the ICU and placed on prophylactic antibiotics. Barium and gastrograffin esophagrams revealed no evidence of extravasation. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed distal esophagitis. Gastroscopy and duodenoscopy were unremarkable. The patient did well following discharge.

• Authors: O J Wolowodiuk, D B McMicken, P O'Brien
• Journal: Annals of emergency medicine (Ann Emerg Med) Vol. 13 Issue 12 Pg. 1148-51 (Dec 1984) ISSN: 0196-0644 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6150668 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ipecac
• Penicillin G

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child, Preschool
• Emphysema (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Female
• Gastroscopy
• Humans
• Ipecac (adverse effects)
• Male
• Mediastinal Emphysema (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging)
• Penicillin G (therapeutic use)
• Radiography
• Retroperitoneal Space (diagnostic imaging)