Youichi Yanagawa

We performed a narrative minireview for a PubMed search on March 31, 2023, using the keywords “pregnant” and “hyperbaric oxygen” to identify any related articles. Most reports have described pregnant women with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning being treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). HBOT helped improve the maternal condition and ensure normal fetal development. Some pregnant women with CO poisoning treated by HBOT suffered abortions or gave premature birth to low‐weight babies or with congenital malformations. However, these results were considered sequelae of CO poisoning, not HBOT. We hypothesized that for pregnant women facing a life‐threatening situation, for which the effectiveness of HBOT has previously been suggested, prioritizing the stabilization of the mother may also be beneficial for normal fetal development.

Background Gastric emphysema and emphysematous gastritis (EG) are rare diseases involving air being introduced into the stomach wall. Emphysematous gastritis is an infectious disease with a high fatality rate. Case presentation An 83‐year‐old woman had recovered from septic shock, however, an antibiotic‐refractory inflammatory response remained. She was diagnosed with pseudogout and administered a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug. However, abdominal pain, prominent abdominal distension, and strawberry milk‐like gastric juice were recognized. Computed tomography showed ileus due to fecal impaction and GE. The results of culture of the gastric juice were positive ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis ). Disimpaction, fasting management, and antibacterial treatments resulted in the recovery of her symptoms. Conclusion This is the first case in which ileus associated with fecal impaction caused EG. The present case highlights the importance of promoting regular bowel movements.