Citation

Iino M, O'Donnell CJ, Burke MP. Leg. Med. (Elsevier) 2009; 11(3): 136-138.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Japanese Society of Legal Medicine, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.legalmed.2008.12.001

PMID

19195921

Abstract

Mercury is known to be associated with both acute and chronic poisoning. A 36-year-old man intentionally ingested mercuric chloride (HgCl(2)) and died within 24h. Post-mortem CT images showed oral, esophageal and gastric wall hyperdense "staining". On toxicological analysis, the blood concentration of mercury was measured at 25.5mg/L; a figure far higher than reported lethal levels. Autopsy was not performed in order to prevent potential inhalation of mercury vapor by pathology staff.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Humans; Male; Mercuric Chloride; Mercury Poisoning; Postmortem Changes; Suicide; Tomography, X-Ray Computed