Suicidal mercury injection into the upper limb: a case study.
We report a rare case of self-injection of mercury into the subcutaneous tissue of the upper limb. A multi-disciplinary management approach was adopted including cooperation between toxicologists, orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists and environment safety personnel. Surgical removal of mercury under radiological screening and systemic intoxication treated by chelating agents, namely dimercaprol and succimer. Serial serum and urine mercury levels showed an initial rise despite surgical removal and returned to normal after a prolonged period of time. Safety precautions were taken during surgery to avoid inadvertent intoxication of staff. Contamination of the operation theatre was monitored by the amount of mercury vapour released into the air. All personnels involved in the management of the patient did not show any evidence of mercury intoxication.
Wong
F
F
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Hung
L K
LK
Wong
C H
CH
Ho
P C
PC
D000328:Adult; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004112:Dimercaprol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004550:Elbow / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008628:Mercury / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D011482:Protective Devices; D011859:Radiography; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D014835:Volatilization; D014953:Wrist / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
D002614:Chelating Agents; D004112:Dimercaprol; D008628:Mercury