Cyanide overdose: survival with fatal blood concentration without antidotal therapy.
Cyanide poisoning is an uncommon emergency department problem. It has a high mortality, and specific antidotal therapy can be lifesaving. We describe a 23-year-old man who ingested potassium cyanide and survived without antidotal therapy. His blood cyanide concentration was 4.65 mg/L, which is within the lethal range. The arterial venous oxygen saturation gradient was considered in the decision regarding antidote administration. Our experience underscores the importance of supportive care.
Saincher
A
A
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Swirsky
N
N
Tenenbein
M
M
D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011190:Potassium Cyanide / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*
D011190:Potassium Cyanide