![](/images/graphics-bg.png)
A Challenging Case of Acute Mercury Toxicity
Joint Authors
Kassim, Thamer
Nayfeh, Ali
Addasi, Noor
Alghoula, Faysal
Holewinski, Christopher
Depew, Zachary
Source
Issue
Vol. 2018, Issue 2018 (31 Dec. 2018), pp.1-4, 4 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2018-02-18
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
4
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Mercury exists in multiple forms: elemental, organic, and inorganic.
Its toxic manifestations depend on the type and magnitude of exposure.
The role of colonoscopic decompression in acute mercury toxicity is still unclear.
We present a case of acute elemental mercury toxicity secondary to mercury ingestion, which markedly improved with colonoscopic decompression.
Clinical Case.
A 54-year-old male presented to the ED five days after ingesting five ounces (148 cubic centimeters) of elemental mercury.
Examination was only significant for a distended abdomen.
Labs showed elevated serum and urine mercury levels.
An abdominal radiograph showed radiopaque material throughout the colon.
Succimer and laxatives were initiated.
The patient had recurrent bowel movements, and serial radiographs showed interval decrease of mercury in the descending colon with interval increase in the cecum and ascending colon.
Colonoscopic decompression was done successfully.
The colon was evacuated, and a repeat radiograph showed decreased hyperdense material in the colon.
Three months later, a repeat radiograph showed no hyperdense material in the colon.
Conclusion.
Ingested elemental mercury can be retained in the colon.
Although there are no established guidelines for colonoscopic decompression, our patient showed significant improvement.
We believe further studies on this subject are needed to guide management practices.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Nayfeh, Ali& Kassim, Thamer& Addasi, Noor& Alghoula, Faysal& Holewinski, Christopher& Depew, Zachary. 2018. A Challenging Case of Acute Mercury Toxicity. Case Reports in Medicine،Vol. 2018, no. 2018, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1144743
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Nayfeh, Ali…[et al.]. A Challenging Case of Acute Mercury Toxicity. Case Reports in Medicine No. 2018 (2018), pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1144743
American Medical Association (AMA)
Nayfeh, Ali& Kassim, Thamer& Addasi, Noor& Alghoula, Faysal& Holewinski, Christopher& Depew, Zachary. A Challenging Case of Acute Mercury Toxicity. Case Reports in Medicine. 2018. Vol. 2018, no. 2018, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1144743
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1144743