Mercury pulmonary emboli following intravenous self-injection

Embolismo por mercúrio metálico: relato de caso

“…Subcutaneous deposition of metallic mercury with formation of granulomas occurs because of leakage during the attempt of intravascular injection (3,(11)(12)(13) . Accidents may occur with arterial pressure monitors with a liquid mercury manometer connected to an intra-arterial needle.…”

Multiple small opacities of metallic density in the lung

“…Pulmonary embolisation may be accidental or intentional—accidently from injury from a broken thermometer or from venous blood sampling with mercury sealed syringe, and intentionally from injection by drug abusers “for kicks”, or with suicidal intent 3. This patient tried to commit suicide by injecting metallic mercury (2.5 ml) from a broken thermometer, five days before admission.…”

A young man with a heavy heart

“…16 If the majority of the mercury is accessible—for example, subcutaneous, the best approach may be local excision, which can result in a rapid fall in blood and urine mercury levels 917 Ultimately, in the absence of symptoms it is difficult to know if aggressive treatment is justified, as long term studies do not clearly illustrate the benefit of such treatment 18…”