OBJECTIVETo study the clinical manifestation and ultrasonic characteristics of liver, kidney and heart of five patients with acute arsenic poisoning.

METHODSThe activity of serum myocardial enzymes, function of liver and kidney, and urinary As concentrations were measured. HDI 3000 Enhanced, and Toshiba 38A two dimensional ultrasound was used to examine the ultrasonic echogram of heart, liver, kidney of the patients.

RESULTS(1) The arsenic concentrations in the urine (1.9 approximately 15.6 micromol/L) were higher than the normal value (1.17 micromol/L) in these patients (blood dialytic fluid of one patient with anuria was measured); (2) Four of them had increased WBC, or anemia, and abnormal urine routine to various degree; (3) The activities of serum myocardial enzymes (CK, AST, LDH and HBDH) in 4 patients were at least 2 items increased; (4) Serum bilirubin and urea nitrogen in all patients were increased; (5) The ultrasonic echogram of liver and kidney in these 5 patients showed abnormality to various degree, one of them had slight enlargements in left atrium and ventricle as well as a little pericardial fluid.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical manifestation and ultrasonic characteristics of liver, kidney, and heart were consistent with the pathologic changes in acute arsenic poisoning. Early blood dialysis may reduce visceral damage.