Hydrogen peroxide poisoning causing brain infarction: neuroimaging findings

• Published in: American journal of roentgenology (1976) Vol. 170; no. 6; pp. 1653 - 1655
• Main Authors: Ashdown, BC, Stricof, DD, May, ML, Sherman, SJ, Carmody, RF
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Leesburg, VA Am Roentgen Ray Soc 01.06.1998; American Roentgen Ray Society
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Brain - pathology; Cerebral Infarction - chemically induced; Cerebral Infarction - diagnosis; Child, Preschool; Domestic and cosmetic products toxicology; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide - poisoning; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Medical sciences; Nervous system; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Toxicology; Human; Nervous system diseases; Radiodiagnosis; Hydrogen; Cardiovascular disease; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; Cerebral disorder; Vascular disease; Case study; Ischemia; Central nervous system disease; Medical imagery; Poisoning; Computerized axial tomography; Diagnosis; Cerebrovascular disease; Organic peroxide; Brain (vertebrata)
• ISSN: 0361-803X; 1546-3141
• DOI: 10.2214/ajr.170.6.9609191

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