Subject: Spontaneous rupture of the stomach is an uncommon condition with a usually poor prognosis. The questions of pathophysiologic factors and the possible role of carbonated or bicarbonate-containing beverages were addressed.
Methods and results: A review of the literature based on a search of MEDLINE (1966-1998) was performed. Using the key word 'stomach rupture', we found 675 publications. 279 publications dealt with etiologic factors 15 of which mentioned the ingestion of bicarbonate preparations. No record of carbonated or bicarbonate-containing beverages as a single etiologic factor could be found.
Conclusion: These beverages do not seem to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of stomach rupture, whereas in rare cases bicarbonate preparations can cause rupture of the previously overdistended stomach.
Copyright 2000 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.