A Case Study of a Mortal Gastric Rupture Following Oxygen Therapy by Nasal Probe, Accompanied by a Review of the Literature

Abstract

The rupture of a healthy stomach by gaseous distension is a rare and serious entity. The majority of cases
described in literature occur after oxygen therapy by nasal probe. In almost all cases the outcome is positive.
We report a case of gastric rupture, discovered by post-mortem, in a 75 year old patient with a history of diabetes,
high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, who contacted the emergency services because of acute dyspnoea.
The treatment consisted of oxygen therapy by nasal probe and the monitoring of vital parameters.
The patient died two hours later and, having noticed abdominal swelling, the doctor requested an autopsy.
In the course of this autopsy, we discovered a pneumoperitoneum and the presence of a gastric rupture along
the lesser curvature of the stomach.
Within the context of this observation, we discuss the importance of correctly positioning a nasal probe, the
pathophysiological mechanism that led to the death of the patient, and the responsibility of the medical team.