Citation

Dawson AJ, Iliopoulou A, Gonzalez S. Acute Med. 2013; 12(2): 93-95.

Affiliation

Correspondence: Alison J Dawson, Diabetes Centre, Bradford Royal Infirmary Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Duckworth Lane Bradford BD9 6RJ UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Rila Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23732132

Abstract

Deliberate poisoning with intentional ingestion of elemental mercury is reported not to result in systemic toxicity due to minimal absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of a 43 year old male who intentionally ingested 200ml elemental mercury which resulted in abdominal pain and vomiting. The patient subsequently aspirated globules of mercury which was confirmed on chest x-ray and his blood mercury levels were markedly raised. He was treated with chelating agents and managed in a negative pressure room to reduce the risk of staff being exposed to exhaled mercury vapour from the patient.

Language: en