Citation

Wang EE, Mahajan N, Wills B, Leikin J. J. Emerg. Med. 2007; 32(3): 289-294.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2006.12.013

PMID

17394994

Abstract

Pure inorganic heavy metal ingestions for suicidal intent are a rare occurrence. Most case reports on this subject focus on the serious neurological, hepatic, or renal side effects. We describe two cases of significant heavy metal poisonings (arsenic trioxide and mercuric chloride) that were successfully managed with aggressive decontamination and combined chelation therapy. Both chemicals were obtained in pure powder form through the Internet.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Arsenic Poisoning; Arsenic Trioxide; Arsenicals; Chelation Therapy; Decontamination; Dimercaprol; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Male; Mercuric Chloride; Mercury Poisoning; Oxides; Polyethylene Glycols; Solvents; Succimer; Suicide, Attempted; Therapeutic Irrigation