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An Unusual Case of Accidental Carbon Monoxide and Ethanol Intoxication in Two Commorientes Deaths

“…Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas generated by incomplete burning of organic substances [8]. With a molar mass of 28.010 g/mol and density of 1.145 kg/m 3 at 25°C, 1 atm [9], its main action is generated upon the blood cells, being a hematic toxic [10]. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes myocardial toxicity and life-threatening arrhythmias, the carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level being correlated with the prolongation of QT intervals and the release of cardiac enzymes [11].…”

“…Thus, at a concentration of 15-25% of COHb, the patient will experience: frontotemporal headache, dizziness, nausea, maniacal excitation, decreased auditory and visual perception. More than 40% COHb, there will appear intense headache, muscle weakness, muscle pain, hypotension, irregular breathing, the individual being conscious but being in impossibility of leaving the place of intoxication and finally, at a concentration of more than 60% COHb, there will occur coma with hypothermia, intermittent seizures and death through depression of vital centers [10].…”