Fatal myocardial infarction after hydrochloric acid ingestion in a suicide attempt

Abstract

Ingestion of acid-containing household products either accidentally or for suicide attempt is a common form of intoxication. Hydrochloric acid is widely used as an antirust compound or cleaner in homes and is highly corrosive and generally causes coagulation necrosis which could lead to perforation in the gastrointestinal system. Although hydrochloric acid ingestion is mainly harmful to the gastrointestinal system, it may also cause metabolic acidosis, hemolysis, renal failure, and fatality as well. Cardiovascular manifestations of hydrochloric acid ingestion are extremely rare, and we report a 48-year-old man who died of acute inferolateral myocardial infarction after hydrochloric acid ingestion in a suicide attempt who had no history of coronary artery disease. In conclusion, although cardiovascular manifestations of hydrochloric acid ingestion are extremely rare, the ingestion may still cause myocardial infarction which could be fatal. Physicians dealing with hydrochloric acid ingestion in the ED should be aware of this possibility and always obtain serial electrocardiograms even if the patient has no cardiac complaint.