Hydrogen peroxide poisoning causing brain infarction: neuroimaging findings

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1998 Jun;170(6):1653-5. doi: 10.2214/ajr.170.6.9609191.

Abstract

Objective: We describe the CT and MR imaging findings of the brain in patients who inadvertently poisoned themselves with concentrated hydrogen peroxide. Thirty-five percent hydrogen peroxide is commercially available as an oxidant and disinfectant. This solution is currently sold and promoted in health food stores in the United States as a means of "improving oxygenation" in people with coronary artery disease and other health problems.

Conclusion: Our findings show the high toxicity of concentrated hydrogen peroxide. CNS damage and death are likely consequences after ingestion of this agent.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain / pathology
  • Cerebral Infarction / chemically induced*
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnosis*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / poisoning*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Hydrogen Peroxide