[Pulmonary embolism caused by elemental mercury].
Intravenous mercury administration is a rare occurrence that is typically associated with accidental injections or suicide attempts. We report the case of a 42-year-old man who attempted suicide by injecting mercury into the left cubital vein. Upon arrival at the emergency department, he was in a state of alcohol intoxication and there were signs of vein puncture and cellulitis in his left arm. He had no respiratory symptoms. A chest x-ray revealed numerous metallic opacities dispersed throughout both lungs. He was admitted to hospital and treated with chelating agents (dimercaprol) and hemodialysis. A month later, the patient returned to the emergency department with respiratory symptoms, and a chest x-ray revealed right pleural effusion.
Lorenzo Dus
María José
MJ
Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, España. MJDUS@hotmail.com
Cases Viedma
Enrique
E
Bravo Gutiérrez
Javier
J
Lloris Bayo
Amparo
A
Sanchis Aldás
José Luis
JL
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000150:complications*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D008628:Mercury