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Acute arsenic intoxication: forensic and toxicologic aspects (an observation)
G Quatrehomme1, O Ricq, P Lapalus
1Laboratoire de Médecine Légale, Nice, France.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|July 1, 1992
Summary
This study details a fatal case of acute arsenic poisoning from di-arsenic-trioxide, highlighting rapid mortality despite medical intervention. Forensic and toxicologic analyses revealed significant arsenic levels in biological samples.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Acute arsenic intoxication is a severe poisoning with potentially rapid fatality.
- Di-arsenic-trioxide is a highly toxic arsenic compound.
Observation:
- The case involved a suicidal ingestion of di-arsenic-trioxide.
- Intensive care was administered, but death occurred within one week.
- Forensic, anatomopathological, and toxicologic examinations were performed.
Findings:
- Forty titrations of biological fluids and viscera were conducted using absorption spectrophotometry.
- Arsenic levels were quantified and compared to literature values for normal subjects and environmental exposure.
Implications:
- This case underscores the extreme toxicity and rapid lethality of di-arsenic-trioxide poisoning.
- Accurate toxicologic analysis is crucial for forensic investigations of arsenic-related deaths.
- Understanding arsenic levels in various exposure scenarios is vital for public health and clinical toxicology.