A suicidal heavy metal poisoning mimicking corrosive acid poisoning: A rare case report

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Case Report

Author Details : Ramalingam S , Narayanan S*, R Narendar

Volume : 8, Issue : 4, Year : 2021

Article Page : 242-250

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijfcm.2021.049

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Abstract

Ingestion of corrosive substances may cause severe to serious injuries of the upper aero-digestive tractand the poisoning can even result in death. Acute corrosive intoxications pose a major problem in clinical toxicology since the most commonly affected population are the young with psychic disorders, suicidal intent and alcohol addiction. In our case report, a 19-year-old male, 2year engineering student committed suicide by consuming a heavy metal salt available in his chemistry lab after leaving a suicidal note. He got treated in a private hospital for 2 days and later he succumbed due to poisoning. Though the findings of this heavy metal poisoning mimicks corrosive acid poisoning, it has to be viewed through the eye of forensic toxicology for a clear view in clinching the diagnosis in the earlier phase of treatment.
 

Keywords: Corrosive substances, Heavy metal poisoning, Mimicking, Forensic toxicology.

How to cite : Ramalingam S, Narayanan S, Narendar R, A suicidal heavy metal poisoning mimicking corrosive acid poisoning: A rare case report. Indian J Forensic Community Med 2021;8(4):242-250

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