Nasogastric tube feeding-induced iatrogenic empyema: a report of two cases and literature review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The incidence of incorrect nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion into the trachea or distal airways is approximately 2%. When an NGT penetrates the visceral pleura and enteral feeding products are inadvertently administered into the lungs or thoracic cavity, severe chemical pneumonia and empyema can develop. Thus, confirming the NGT placement site before initiating feeding is crucial. Chest radiography (CXR) remains the gold standard for confirming NGT placement. However, enteral feeding products are often administered without prior CXR, leading to complications. This report describes two cases of iatrogenic empyema caused by incorrect placement of NGT in the thoracic cavity.

Case description

Case 1 was a 70-year-old man with a history of cerebral hemorrhage sequelae w

SUBMITTER: Kawamoto N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12593067 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature