Rhabdomyolysis and renal failure in acute mercuric chloride poisoning

A case of acute renal failure after mercuric chloride poisoning is reported. Laboratory data revealed markedly elevated serum concentrations of aldolase and creatine phosphokinase, and the presence of pigment granular casts and myoglobin in the urine. The patient went into a diuretic phase after 12 days of oliguria and renal function returned to normal during the next 10 days. Besides direct nephrotoxicity, the contributory role of rhabdomyolysis in the pathogenesis of renal failure after mercuric chloride poisoning, has been stressed.