Penet rating Esophageal Injury Diagnosed by using Methylene Blue - A case report -

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Traumatology 2003;16(2):152-155.

Jung Min Ju, M.D., Sung Youl Hyun, M.D.*, Jae Kwang Kim, M.D.,
Yong Su Lim, M.D., and Gun Lee, M.D.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery^*

Ghil Medical Center, Gachon Medical School, Incheon, Korea

Methylene Blue를 이용한 경부 관통상에 의한 식도손상 진단 1예

주정민·현성열*·김재광·임용수·이근

가천의과대학교 길병원 응급의학과, 흉부외과*

Abstract

Penetrating injury of the cervical esophagus cannot be easily identified by physical examination due to its deep anatomical location , so many patients with penetrating neck injuries should be undergone esophagography or esophagoscopy for the evaluation of potential esophageal injuries. However, these diagnostic procedures are invasive, time-consuming, expensive, and, most importantly limited by availability of resources (diagnostic equipment and manpower). We experienced a patient with a penetrating esophageal injury who was promptly diagnosed by using methylene blue. A 32-year-old male visited the emergency room complaining of dyspnea and bleeding after a penetrating neck injury.Thrty (30) minutes after the patient had swallowed the methylene blue solution, we found leakage of blue-colored fluid through the stab wound. He underwent emergent surgical repair without further investigations for esophageal injury.

Key Words: Penetrating esophageal injury; Methylene blue