Cardiovascular complications of aluminum phosphide poisoning

Aluminum phosphide is widely used as a grain preservative. Recently some reports have appeared in the literature in which serious toxic effects of this agent have been reported, and a number of fatal complications, including shock and cardiac dysrhythmias, have been increasingly seen. Of 25 cases of aluminum phosphide poisoning the authors observed over a period of two years, 16 cases (64%) had evidence of cardiac dysfunction. Despite adequate treatment, 40% of the patients died. A plea is being made for recognition of these fatal complications and for early institution of adequate treatment.