A 22‑year‑old man in China tried to beat the heat by downing roughly 1.5 liters of Coca‑Cola in just ten minutes. Within a few hours he was rushed to Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, clutching his abdomen as his belly swelled dramatically.
Sudden Deterioration
On arrival clinicians noted a pounding pulse, shallow breathing and dangerously low blood pressure. Blood work revealed ischemic hepatitis – commonly termed shock liver, a life‑threatening condition that occurs when the liver receives insufficient blood and oxygen.
The team linked the hepatic injury to a rapid surge of carbon dioxide gas from the soda, which likely entered a major hepatic vessel and disrupted its flow.
Aggressive Intervention
Physicians immediately began supportive therapy aimed at halting further liver damage. A repeat imaging study twelve hours after admission showed extensive areas of liver necrosis despite the intensive care.
Unable to recover, the young man died about 18 hours after his admission. The case highlights that, although he had been healthy beforehand, consuming an extreme volume of carbonated beverage in a short span can trigger fatal complications.
