Work

Severe hypoxaemia and haemodynamic instability following salt tablet broncho-aspiration: in-hospital mimicking of saltwater drowning

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A 70-year-old woman, hospitalised for asymptomatic hyponatraemia secondary to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), required emergency intubation due to severe acute respiratory failure and haemodynamic instability following broncho-aspiration of a salt tablet. We hypothesise that a pathophysiological mechanism resembling saltwater drowning may have contributed to the clinical presentation. LEARNING POINTS: Salt tablet broncho-aspiration could be associated with severe hypoxaemia and haemodynamic instability.The pathophysiology of salt tablet broncho-aspiration may mimic drowning in saltwater.

Source: European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.12890/2025_005404

Authors: Ermes Lupieri, Enrico Patrese, Alessandro Felice Chiesa, Fabio Corti, Marco Previsdomini

Institutions: Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli

Language: English

Topic: Foreign Body Medical Cases

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $323