[Subcutaneous injection of metallic mercury. Report of 4 cases]

4 cases of subcutaneous injection of metallic mercury are reported and compared with those recorded by others. Subcutaneous injection always causes local inflammatory reaction and granuloma formation. Systematic mercury absorption is the rule as it is proved by high mercury levels in blood and urine. Nevertheless this absorption is usually too small to be responsible for toxic manifestations. Surgical excision of all accessible contaminated subcutaneous areas should be performed. When residual mercury is roentgenographically detectable regular monitoring of CNS, renal function and urinary and/or blood mercury levels are necessary.