| Abstrakt: |
COMPRESSED gases are used with increasing frequency in daily industrial work, in laboratories, and in gas stations. Improper usage of compressed gas equipment may lead to pneumatic rupture of the colon, which may demonstrate two stages of symptoms.Report of a CaseA 14-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with severe, diffuse, abdominal pain and two episodes of vomiting. Symptoms occurred soon after the release of compressed air through a nozzle held in apposition to his anus while he was fully dressed. The accident was the result of a prank.On admission 30 minutes after the incident, the boy was slightly disoriented, pulse rate was 72 beats per minute, blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg, and abdomen mildly tender with normal peristaltic sounds. The results of the rest of the physical examination were within normal limits. Upright x-ray films of the abdomen showed the entire colon to be greatly distended |
