Citation

Detweiler CJ, Mambo NC. Acad. Forensic Pathol. 2014; 4(2): 244-250.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, National Association of Medical Examiners)

DOI

10.23907/2014.038

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A case of suicidal death due to intravenous self-administration of vecuronium and etomidate by a registered nurse is being reported. Toxicologic blood analysis showed a vecuronium concentration of 0.023 mg/L, an etomidate concentration of 0.041 μg/mL, and an ethanol concentration of 113 mg/dL. The autopsy, toxicologic analysis, and crime scene investigation findings indicated that this was suicidal death caused by respiratory failure secondary to vecuronium administration exacerbated by sedation secondary to etomidate and ethanol use. Review of the medical literature and popular press media has identified several instances in which vecuronium has been used in homicidal deaths, but it has identified few cases in which vecuronium or etomidate, alone or in conjunction with another drug, have been used to commit suicide. © 2014 Academic Forensic Pathology International.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Forensic pathology; Etomidate; Neuromuscular blocking agent; Vecuronium