Esophageal Foreign Body Of Allium Sativum Induced Corrosive Pharyngeal And Esophageal Injury

Abstract

Background: Garlic (Allium sativum) esophageal foreign bodies are rarely reported. The acidic nature of garlic is able to cause corrosive injury to the esophageal mucosa and leads to esophageal perforation. A good understanding of the clinical evaluation and management options for garlic esophageal foreign bodies will improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Purpose: To report a rare case of garlic esophageal foreign body with pharyngeal and esophageal mucosa complications.

Case Report: A 50-year-old man complained of a lump in his throat after swallowing garlic without chewing 12 hours before going to the hospital. The patient vomited every time he took meals. The patient also had a mass in his nape since 15 years ago, making extending his neck difficult. The patient was scheduled for a rigid esophagoscopy with better preparation. The patient admitted no longer having any lump sensation four days after being treated. Transnasal esophagoscopy examination found multiple lesions at pharynx and esophagus.

Treatment: Proton pump inhibitor therapy, steroid, and antibiotics.

Conclusion: Medical management was performed after symptoms disappeared and confirmed by flexible esophagoscopy. The patient was given proton pump inhibitors, steroid, and antibiotics (levofloxacin and metronidazole). The patient did not experience any complaints of swallowing dysfunction six days after discharged.