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Subcutaneous injection of metallic mercury
Y O Y Soo1, C H Wong, J F Griffith
1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
Human & Experimental Toxicology
|July 15, 2003
Summary
Self-injecting metallic mercury into soft tissue can cause local necrosis and continuous systemic absorption. Early surgical removal of these mercury deposits is crucial to prevent complications and toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
- Surgery
Background:
- Deliberate self-injection of metallic mercury into subcutaneous tissue is a rare occurrence.
- This case involves a patient with a history of schizophrenia who self-injected mercury.
Observation:
- Physical examination revealed injection marks on the right wrist and antecubital fossa.
- X-rays and ultrasound confirmed subcutaneous mercury deposits.
- Erythema, swelling, induration, and tenderness developed at the injection sites within three days.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration revealed mercury streaks within the brachialis muscle and necrotic tissues.
- The patient received incomplete treatment with dimercaprol and 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid.
- Blood and urinary mercury levels remained elevated for weeks, indicating continuous absorption.
Implications:
- Subcutaneous metallic mercury can lead to local tissue necrosis.
- Continuous absorption from soft tissue deposits can cause persistent systemic mercury toxicity.
- Early surgical intervention is recommended for subcutaneous mercury deposits to prevent local and systemic complications.