Suicide by ingestion of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide.
Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is a free radical-generating compound used as a fiberglass resin hardener. A 41-year-old Haitian man developed severe metabolic acidosis, hemolysis, esophageal and gastric necrosis, and perforation of the stomach after drinking an undetermined amount of MEKP in a successful suicide attempt. The biochemical effects of free radicals explain the necrosis and hemolysis observed.
D000005:Abdomen / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy; D002074:Butanones / Q000506:poisoning*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D009336:Necrosis; D010150:Paint; D010545:Peroxides / Q000506:poisoning*; D013405:Suicide
D002074:Butanones; D010545:Peroxides; C011007:methyl ethyl ketone peroxide