Journal de toxicologie clinique
Libre accès

Abstrait

Acute Local Mercury Toxicity Induced by Self Injection- A Rare Occurrence

Manohar KN, Venkata Sai Shashank Mutya*, Irfan Ibrahim K, Srikanth V

Mercury can exist in three states as mercury vapour, elemental mercury as liquid and inorganic salts and organic compounds. Mercury can enter the body either by inhalation, ingestion and injection. When entered mercury can cause neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, GI disturbances, endocrine imbalance, psychiatric problems, and infertility and may even lead to death. Mercuric toxicity should be identified quickly and treated. Here we present to you a rare case of a 29 year old woman who had injected herself with mercury on the misbelief that it can cause weight loss. She presented with fever and multiple painful and tender swellings at the sites of injection with cellulitis of the above skin and subcutaneous tissue. She was treated with adequate tissue exploration and debridement along with chelation therapy with dimercarpol. She tolerated the therapy without any side effects with regular monitoring of renal parameters. This case emphasizes the need of regulation on sale of such hazardous products to common people and the requirement of proper guidelines for early identification, stratification and treatment of patients with mercury toxicity.