Barotraumatic esophageal perforation by explosion of a carbonated drink bottle

Abstract

We report a case of barotraumatic esophageal perforation caused by the explosion of a carbonated beverage containing plastic bottle into the mouth. A 6-year-old girl presented with sudden sharp pain in her mouth and upper abdomen after outburst of the plastic bottle. A computed tomography scan showed massive pneumomediastinum with diffuse edematous esophageal wall thickening and subcutaneous emphysema primarily in the neck. An esophagogram revealed a perforation of the middle portion of the esophagus with extravasation of contrast on left side. Surgical repair was performed successfully. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 15 after an uneventful postoperative course.