Citation

Choi SH, Lee SW, Hong YS, Kim SJ, Moon SW, Moon JD. Emerg. Med. J. 2006; 23(5): 394-395.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/emj.2005.027466

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diagostic imaging can help in the management of toxicology emergencies. The authors report on a patient who presented to the emergency department with coma and suppressed respirations after ingestion of an unknown substance.

METHODS: Ingestion of chloroform with radiopaque material in the bowel on abdominal radiograph was documented. The patient was treated with haemoperfusion, activated charcoal, and laxatives to decrease the toxicities.

RESULTS: Hepatotoxicity occurred on post-ingestion day 3 and elevation of liver enzymes reached peak levels on post-ingestion day 5. The patient received N-acetylsystein and supportive care during hospitalisation. The patient improved from hepatic dysfunction and was discharged without complication on post-ingestion day 11.

CONCLUSION: Radiographic studies in toxicology may confirm a diagnosis and assist in therapeutic intervention.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Female; adult; human; female; Suicide, Attempted; case report; Overdose; suicide attempt; hospitalization; intoxication; Solvents; article; laxative; priority journal; coma; emergency ward; activated carbon; hospital discharge; artificial ventilation; diagnostic value; liver toxicity; acetylcysteine; enzyme blood level; solvent; abdominal radiography; radiography; liver disease; chemically induced disorder; liver enzyme; hemoperfusion; chloroform; Liver Diseases; Chloroform; contrast medium; respiratory acidosis