Characteristic three-layered intestinal contents in a case of gasoline ingestion

Abstract

Introduction

Ingestion of gasoline can cause severe pulmonary and gastrointestinal complications. Computed tomography may reveal characteristic findings.

Case summary

A 61-year-old man had gastrointestinal symptoms, and subsequently developed respiratory distress and altered mental status after ingesting approximately 150 mL of gasoline.

Images

Abdominal computed tomography revealed a characteristic three-layered appearance of intestinal contents, likely representing intestinal fluid, ingested gasoline, and gas. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates consistent with pneumonitis.

Conclusion

Recognition of the characteristic three-layered appearance of the intestinal contents on abdominal computed tomography might aid in the diagnosis of gasoline ingestion.

Keywords:

• Computed tomography
• gasoline
• gastrointestinal tract
• hydrocarbons
• respiratory aspiration

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication of this case report and accompanying images.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

Additional information

Funding

This study did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies in public, commercial, or non-profit sectors.