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Auto-aggressive metallic mercury injection around the knee joint: a case report
Joerg Friesenbichler1, Werner Maurer-Ertl, Patrick Sadoghi
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, Graz, Austria.
BMC Surgery
|November 19, 2011
Summary
Metallic mercury injection can cause tissue damage and inflammation. Surgical removal of mercury depots and chelating therapy are recommended, followed by long-term monitoring for chronic mercury intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Surgical Case Report
Background:
- Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of metallic mercury is a rare cause of poisoning.
- While less dangerous than mercury vapor inhalation, it can lead to significant tissue reactions.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old male presented with self-injected elemental mercury and foreign bodies around the knee.
- Imaging revealed mercury depots, and blood tests showed mercury levels 17 times higher than recommended.
Findings:
- Marginal resection of mercury depots and foreign bodies was performed.
- Blood mercury levels decreased post-surgery, especially with chelating therapy.
Implications:
- Surgical excision of contaminated tissue is crucial to prevent mercury migration and chronic inflammation.
- Long-term clinical and biochemical monitoring is essential to detect chronic mercury intoxication.
