Fatal aspiration of iodine oral contrast

Abstract

We report on a case of massive iodine oral contrast aspiration with consequential cardiorespiratoryarrest. The patient was successfully resuscitated and treated with mechanical ventilatory supportand an urgent bronchoscopy toilet with only modest success. Instead of esophagography, the X‑rayimage showed an almost classical “bronchography.” A few hours later, the chest X‑ray was indicativeof acute noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Respiratory status additionally deteriorated due tobilateral pleural effusions, severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heartfailure, and the patient died of multiorgan failure 8 days after admission to the Intensive Care Unit.The incidence of fatal complications of oral iodine contrast aspiration is very rare but can be evenlower if fully cooperative, and well‑instructed patients are selected. Special attention should be paidto those with any kind of swallowing difficulties.