Severe Corrosive Gastritis Caused by Accidental Ingestion of Mildly Alkaline Calcium Chloride Desiccant: A Case Report

TL;DR

An elderly woman with dementia suffered severe stomach damage after accidentally swallowing a mildly alkaline calcium chloride desiccant, highlighting the potential danger of such substances.

Contribution

This case report highlights that even mildly alkaline substances like calcium chloride can cause severe gastrointestinal injuries.

Findings

Accidental ingestion of calcium chloride desiccant caused severe corrosive gastritis and ulcers in a 90-year-old woman.

Endoscopic evaluations showed gradual healing of ulcers without stenosis over several weeks.

The case emphasizes the risk of mild alkaline substances when ingested in significant amounts.

Abstract

A woman in her 90s with dementia accidentally ingested an unknown amount of calcium chloride–containing desiccant (pH 7–8). Computed tomography (CT) revealed circumferential gastric wall thickening, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed ulcers with necrotic material extending from the cardia to the greater curvature of the pyloric region, along with erosion of the posterior wall of the descending duodenum. The patient was diagnosed with severe corrosive gastritis and was treated with omeprazole, sucralfate, and antibiotics (SBT/ABPC). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed on hospitalization days 15, 29, and 80 revealed gradual improvement of the ulcers without stenosis, not requiring treatment. Severe injuries caused by the ingestion of strongly alkaline agents, such as chlorine‐based bleaches, are well known. However, as in this case, even mildly alkaline agents can cause severe injuries depending on the amount ingested, presence of solid components, and time elapsed after ingestion. Therefore, it is crucial to consider this possibility in clinical practice.

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