Radiologic Treatment of Esophageal Food Impaction Using Intravenous Glucagon

Abstract
Obstructing esophageal food impaction was successfully relieved in 3 patients by the administration of i.v. glucagon. Since proteolytic enzyme digestion of bolus impaction carries a clear risk of fatal esophageal perforation, early therapeutic administration of glucagon during initial esophagography affords a safe and effective acute-care radiologic adjunct. Advantages include immediate diagnosis and thereapy, effectiveness in meat and vegetable impactions and safety for repeated doses. A glucagon-papain combination is suggested as a routine regimen during standard efforts at enzymatic disimpaction.

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