Mercury inhalation poisoning and acute lung injury.
- Author:
Hong Euy LIM
1
;
Jae Jeong SHIM
;
Sang Yub LEE
;
Sin Hyung LEE
;
Sei Yong XYong KANG
;
Jae Yun JO
;
Kwang Ho IN
;
Han Gyum KIM
;
Se Hwa YOO
;
Kyung Ho KANG
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- MeSH:
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage;
Aged;
Antidotes/administration & dosage;
Disease-Free Survival;
Human;
Inhalation Exposure/adverse effects*;
Male;
Mercury Poisoning/diagnosis;
Mercury Poisoning/complications*;
Penicillamine/administration & dosage;
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult/drug therapy;
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult/chemically induced*;
Substances:Penicillamine;
Substances: Antidotes;
Substances: Adrenal Cortex Hormones
- From:The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine
1998;13(2):127-130
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Acute mercury inhalation poisoning is a rare cause of acute lung injury. It is usually fatal because of progressive pulmonary failure. We experienced a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after illicit use of mercury vapor for hemorrhoid treatment; he developed acute chemical pneumonitis following exposure to mercury vapor. Prompt treatment with corticosteroids and penicillamine for acute chemical pneumonitis was instituted; radiologic pulmonary infiltrates disappeared within a week, but late phase neurologic sequelae and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis progressed.
