Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Elemental Mercury

Abstract

Intravenous mercury administration is a rare occurrence that is typically associated with accidental injections or suicide attempts. We report the case of a 42-year-old man who attempted suicide by injecting mercury into the left cubital vein. Upon arrival at the emergency department, he was in a state of alcohol intoxication and there were signs of vein puncture and cellulitis in his left arm. He had no respiratory symptoms. A chest x-ray revealed numerous metallic opacities dispersed throughout both lungs. He was admitted to hospital and treated with chelating agents (dimercaprol) and hemodialysis. A month later, the patient returned to the emergency department with respiratory symptoms, and a chest x-ray revealed right pleural effusion.