Citation

Martz W. J. Anal. Toxicol. 2010; 34(1): 49-52.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Preston Publications)

DOI

10.1093/jat/34.1.49

PMID

20109303

Abstract

This paper presents the case of a woman with a history of schizophrenia found deceased in her residence after she apparently ingested an unknown quantity of a pine oil-containing product. A strong lemon-pine odor emanated from the body. Autopsy revealed a large volume of oily fluid in the stomach. The lungs were heavy, hemorrhagic, and necrotic. There was no evidence of significant recent injury or pre-existing disease. The toxicological screening and quantitation of 1-alpha-terpineol in postmortem fluids was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Isopropanol and its metabolite acetone were determined by means of flame-ionization gas chromatography. Postmortem blood, urine, and stomach content levels of 1-alpha-terpineol were 276 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, and 4.0 g/total contents, respectively, and isopropanol levels were 730 mg/dL, 20 mg/dL, and 1000 mg/dL, respectively. No acetone could be detected. Her death was attributed to the combined toxicity of isopropanol and pine oil.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Suicide; Fatal Outcome; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Household Products; Plant Oils; 2-Propanol; Cyclohexane Monoterpenes; Cyclohexenes; Monoterpenes; Pinus