Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in Intravenous Mercury Poisoning: A Case Report

Intravenous mercury poisoning is a rare but severe medical emergency, often resulting from accidental exposure or intentional self-harm. We present the case of a 30-year-old male with a history of sickle cell anemia who presented with high-grade fever, vomiting, giddiness, and breathlessness followi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-07, Vol.16 (7), p.e64383
Main Authors: Bothara, Shivani S, Parihar, Pratapsingh, Patil, Ravishankar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abdomen
Antibiotics
Cardiac arrhythmia
Case reports
Chelation therapy
Embolisms
Fever
Hemoglobin
Hospitals
Interdisciplinary aspects
Internal Medicine
Lungs
Medical diagnosis
Mental health
Nephrology
Poisoning
Psychiatrists
Radiology
Self destructive behavior
Sickle cell anemia
Supervision
Thorax
Tomography
Ventilators
Vital signs
Vomiting
X-rays
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Summary:Intravenous mercury poisoning is a rare but severe medical emergency, often resulting from accidental exposure or intentional self-harm. We present the case of a 30-year-old male with a history of sickle cell anemia who presented with high-grade fever, vomiting, giddiness, and breathlessness following intravenous mercury self-administration. Diagnostic challenges included distinguishing symptoms of acute mercury toxicity from those of his chronic condition of sickle cell trait. Markedly elevated serum mercury levels confirmed the diagnosis, with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging studies revealing mercury deposits and alveolar lung injury. Management involved antidote of mercury poisoning, including non-invasive ventilation and transfusions, with consultations from multiple specialties. The patient demonstrated significant clinical improvement and was discharged with scheduled follow-ups. This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing intravenous mercury poisoning, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient outcomes.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.64383