Prolonged bromide intoxication resulting from a gastric bezoar

Bromide intoxication is now a relatively uncommon disease. We describe a critically ill patient who had an elevated chloride level and neurologic abnormalities. Bromide levels were also elevated, and remained so for several days. After more than 12 days of abnormally high serum bromide and chloride levels, endoscopy was performed. This procedure disclosed a gastric bezoar containing identifiable pill fragments. The gastric washings from these fragments contained high levels of bromide. We believe that the prolonged course of bromide intoxication secondary to a gastric bezoar makes this case unique.