Cerebral infarction immediately after ingestion of hydrogen peroxide solution.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We report the clinical and neuroimaging findings of a patient who sustained multiple cerebral infarcts after the ingestion of concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution sold as a "health food" product. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 84-year-old man sustained focal neurological deficits immediately after ingesting 30 mL of 35% hydrogen peroxide solution. Physical examination disclosed a left hemiparesis, frontal release signs, and cerebellar dysfunctions. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple cerebral and cerebellar infarctions in the anterior, middle, and posterior vascular territories. CONCLUSIONS: The likely mechanism of pathogenesis involves cerebral oxygen gas embolization. The use of hyperbaric therapy should be considered in treating hydrogen peroxide poisoning.