Citation

Otter J, Cantrell FL. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 2021; 42(1): 62-63.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PAF.0000000000000613

PMID

32925210

Abstract

There is a paucity of published reports of copper ammonium complex ingestion, as most published data describe overdoses of copper sulfate formulations. We report a case of suicide by ingestion of copper ammonium complex-containing fungicide with an elevated postmortem copper level. A 77-year-old woman was found dead at home by her relative after ingesting a fungicide containing 8% copper ammonium complex solution. Turquoise emesis was found at the scene, and on autopsy, turquoise material was found throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Postmortem central blood copper level was 500 μg/dL. Cause of death was determined to be acute copper toxicity.

Language: en

Keywords

Aged; Ammonium Compounds; Copper; Depression; Female; Fungicides, Industrial; Humans; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide, Completed