Subcutaneous metallic mercury injection of the hand

Poisoning by subcutaneous metallic mercury is rare and usually accidental. Although it does not carry the same risks as mercury-vapour intoxication, it may still cause destructive early and late local reactions. Two deaths resulting from subcutaneous mercury injection have been reported in the literature. We present a case of accidental subcutaneous injection of mercury in the hand and discuss its management with a review of the literature.