Pneumonitis after inhalation of mercury vapours.
A 43-year-old man presented to hospital with pneumonia but only after discharge from hospital did he admit to deliberate prior inhalation of mercury. His pulmonary involvement appeared to resolve almost completely with antibiotics and supportive care. Nevertheless, persisting elevated urinary excretion of mercury required two courses of chelation therapy. No serious systemic sequelae were observed.
Glezos
J D
JD
Department of Internal Medicine, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. jamesglezos@yahoo.com
Albrecht
J E
JE
Gair
R D
RD
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015913:Chelation Therapy; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D011859:Radiography; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000150:complications*; D004113:Succimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014835:Volatilization
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002614:Chelating Agents; D004113:Succimer; D017291:Clarithromycin; D002444:Cefuroxime