Diagnostic radiopacity and hepatotoxicity following chloroform ingestion: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Diagnostic imaging can help in the management of toxicologic emergencies. The authors report on a patient who presented to the emergency department with coma and suppressed respirations after ingestion of an unknown substance.


METHODS
Ingestion of chloroform with radiopaque material in the bowel on abdominal radiograph was documented. The patient was treated with haemoperfusion, activated charcoal, and laxatives to decrease the toxicities.


RESULTS
Hepatotoxicity occurred on post-ingestion day 3 and elevation of liver enzymes reached peak levels on post-ingestion day 5. The patient received N-acetylsystein and supportive care during hospitalisation. The patient improved from hepatic dysfunction and was discharged without complication on post-ingestion day 11.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiographic studies in toxicology may confirm a diagnosis and assist in therapeutic intervention.
Choi
S H
SH
Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
S W
SW
Hong
Y S
YS
Kim
S J
SJ
Moon
S W
SW
Moon
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D002725:Chloroform / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D012997:Solvents / Q000506:poisoning*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D012997:Solvents; D002725:Chloroform