A rare case of lethal lactic acid poisoning: an autopsy case report

More than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year, and ingestion of pesticides, hanging, and firearms are among the most commonly used suicide methods globally. Although corrosives are among the least preferred agents for suicide due to the extreme pain caused and the possibility of prolonged suffering instead of immediate death, cases of ingestion continue to be observed. Commonly ingested corrosive substances include acids such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, alkalis such as sodium and potassium hydroxide, heavy metal salts, formalin, and iodine tincture. However, previous literature has not reported cases of poisoning with lactic acid preparations in adults. In this report, we discuss the death of a 67-year-old male following the consumption of Lactisan, a commercial preparation of lactic acid used in the dairy industry. The diagnosis and management of lactic acid poisoning pose challenges due to the lack of any previous data and the short half-life of lactic acid in the bloodstream. The laboratory investigation showed severe lactic acidosis. We discuss in detail the gross and microscopic features of lactic acid poisoning. This case report emphasizes the need for awareness among healthcare professionals about such uncommon but potentially fatal poisonings.