title: A fatal case of benzene poisoning.
abstract: Chronic effects following repeated exposure to low doses of benzene have been well assessed, whereas few data are available about acute exposure to benzene. We report a case of fatal acute intoxication which occurred aboard a chemical cargo ship. Autopsy findings included blood clots inside the heart and main vessels, multi-organ congestion, pulmonary edema and the presence of many vibices in the hypostatic areas. Toxicological analysis of blood and urine showed a benzene concentration of 31.67 and 2.26 micrograms/mL, respectively; high concentrations of benzene (microgram/g) were also found in the lungs (22.23), liver (378.60), brain (178.66), heart (182.57) and kidneys (75.15). The above data provide evidence for benzene distribution in various organs.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Barbera
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bulla
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Romano
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D001554:Benzene / Q000378:metabolism / Q000506:poisoning*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012767:Ships; D012997:Solvents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000506:poisoning*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D012997:Solvents; D001554:Benzene