Accidental subcutaneous implant of mercury after thermometer trauma

Subcutaneous Injection of Metallic Mercury Mimicking Bacterial Cellulites: A Case Report

“…In subcutaneously injected forms, as in our case, the underlying tissue reacts to the mercury through acute inflammation, development of foreignbody giant cells and granuloma formation (Oh et al, 2007;Prasad, 2004). Besides, there is a debate on whether systemic toxicity may be induced following subcutaneous injection of metallic mercury (Ruha et al, 2001;Vano-Galvan et al, 2009). In this report, we described a young male with history of major depression who injected metallic mercury subcutaneously.…”

“…Apart from several reports of individual mercury intoxication, a few mass organic mercury poisonings have been recorded following consumption of contaminated fish and bread in Japan and Iraq, respectively (Vernon, 2005). Nonetheless, toxic effects of elemental mercury usually present following subcutaneous or intravenous injection (Isik et al, 1997) Whether accidentally or intentionally (suicidal attempt and/or psychiatric disorder), this route of mercury poisoning infrequently occurs, i.e., less than a hundred cases have been reported since 1923 (Winker et al, 2002) Once the injected metallic mercury is absorbed, it is gradually oxidized into mercuric salts that bind sulfhydryl groups and hinder a number of critical enzymatic processes, particularly in the central nervous system and the kidneys (Ellabban et al, 2003;Vano-Galvan et al, 2009). …”

“…The clinical scenario with which mercury poisoning may present depends on the chemical structure of the mercury compound, the amount absorbed and the route of administration (Winker et al, 2002;Vano-Galvan et al, 2009). In case of acute inhalation, vaporized mercury may cause pneumonitis and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, which can progress to respiratory failure and death (Vano-Galvan et al, 2009;Brodkin et al, 2007).…”

“…In case of acute inhalation, vaporized mercury may cause pneumonitis and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, which can progress to respiratory failure and death (Vano-Galvan et al, 2009;Brodkin et al, 2007). While ingestion of organic or inorganic mercury leads to gastroenteritis, renal, cardiovascular and neurological involvement, orally ingested metallic mercury usually does not induce poisoning symptoms owing to the minimal absorption through the gut (Prasad, 2004;Brodkin et al, 2007).…”

“…Among these, mercury not only may be poisonous to the general population via food and fish, but also it might affect the individuals. The latter might be as a result of suicidal attempt, (Isik et al, 1997;Winker et al, 2002;Ruha et al, 2001;Kayias et al, 2003) occupational accident, (Ellabban et al, 2003;Vano-Galvan et al, 2009) penile augmentation, (Oh et al, 2007) and superstitious beliefs (Prasad, 2004). Injection of metallic mercury in the forms of subcutaneous or intravenous has been hitherto reported in less than a hundred cases since 1923 (Brodkin et al, 2007).…”