Association between acute severe mercury poisoning and multiple organ failure

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Nephrology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Acute mercury poisoning, particularly from mercuric chloride (HgCl2), poses a significant threat due to severe organ dysfunction, including acute renal failure (ARF).
• This case highlights the life-threatening potential of ingesting large quantities of HgCl2.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of acute severe mercuric chloride poisoning with multiple organ failure.
• To discuss the critical management strategies for acute HgCl2 poisoning complicated by ARF.

Main Methods:

• A detailed clinical case presentation of a 38-year-old female with massive oral HgCl2 ingestion.
• Diagnostic workup included CT scans, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy to assess organ damage.
• Treatment involved assisted respiration and conventional therapies.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with severe gastrointestinal bleeding, metabolic acidosis, shock, and ARF.
• Despite intensive medical intervention, the patient's condition progressively worsened, leading to death.
• The case illustrates the rapid and severe systemic effects of acute HgCl2 poisoning.

Conclusions:

• Acute HgCl2 poisoning can rapidly lead to multi-organ failure and death.
• Early implementation of blood purification and mercury elimination, alongside conventional treatment, is recommended for patients with acute HgCl2 poisoning and ARF.