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Accidental intoxication with hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid mixture
A Smędra-Kaźmirska1, M Kędzierski, M Barzdo
1dr n. med. Anna Smędra-Kaźmirska Katedra i Zakład Medycyny Sądowej Uniwersytet Medyczny ul. Sędziowska 18 A 91-304 Łódź tel. +48 42 654 45 36 faks +48 42 654 42 93
Archiwum Medycyny Sadowej I Kryminologii
|September 4, 2014
Summary
Accidental ingestion of hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids caused fatal gastrointestinal necrosis and lung damage. Despite medical intervention, the patient experienced cardiac arrhythmias and multiorgan failure, leading to death.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Accidental ingestion of corrosive acids poses significant health risks.
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrofluoric acid (HF) are highly corrosive substances.
- Understanding the pathological consequences of mixed acid ingestion is crucial for medical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a fatal case of accidental ingestion of a mixture of HCl and HF.
- To detail the clinical presentation, medical interventions, and autopsy findings.
- To elucidate the pathological mechanisms leading to death.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with accidental acid ingestion.
- Clinical monitoring including cardiac rhythm analysis.
- Autopsy and histopathological examination of affected organs.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with ventricular fibrillation, hypovolemic shock, and multiorgan failure.
- Autopsy revealed extensive necrosis of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
- Histopathology confirmed mucosal necrosis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and pulmonary hemorrhagic infarcts.
Conclusions:
- Mixed acid ingestion (HCl and HF) can lead to severe corrosive injury and systemic toxicity.
- Necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract and pulmonary complications are critical factors in mortality.
- Prompt recognition and management are essential, though outcomes can be poor in severe cases.
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