Citation

Wang R, Zhuo L, Wang Y, Ren L, Liu Q, Liu L. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95(41): e5103.

Affiliation

aDepartment of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan bInstitute of Forensic Science, Fujian Provincial Department of Public Security, Fuzhou, China.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/MD.0000000000005103

PMID

27741126

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tetramine (tetramethylene disulphotetramine, TETS) and fluoroacetamide (FAA) are known as illegal rodenticides with high toxicity to animal species and human beings, which could lead to severe clinical features, including reduction of consciousness, convulsions, coma, and even death.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We presented 2 cases that involved rodenticides poisoning. Even though the patients showed severe manifestations, they were initially misdiagnosed, resulting in 2 persons finally died from TETS and FAA poisoning in homicide cases.

CONCLUSION: From the clinical and forensic experience of these 2 cases, we suggest that physicians should consider TETS and FAA poisoning when patients present generalized seizures, especially in some cases without clear cause and diagnosis of disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for positive management and criminal investigation in intentional poisoning cases. Moreover, clinical toxicology education should be reinforced.

Language: en