Death from Naphthalene Poisoning Manifesting as Toxic Hepatitis: An Autopsy Case.
10.7580/kjlm.2017.41.4.137
- Author:
Jinhyuk CHOI
1
;
Seong Hwan PARK
;
Min Jee PARK
;
Seok Hoon JEON
Author Information
1. Department of Legal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Toxic hepatitis;
Naphthalenes;
Autopsy
- MeSH:
Acidosis;
Aged, 80 and over;
Alanine Transaminase;
Anemia, Hemolytic;
Aspartate Aminotransferases;
Autopsy*;
Blood Gas Analysis;
Calcium Gluconate;
Charcoal;
Drug-Induced Liver Injury*;
Female;
Glucose;
Hemoglobinuria;
Hemolysis;
Humans;
Insulin;
Intention;
Liver;
Liver Failure;
Naphthalenes;
Necrosis;
Poisoning*;
Suicide
- From:Korean Journal of Legal Medicine
2017;41(4):137-140
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Suicide through naphthalene poisoning is rare. Prolonged hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinuria are typical symptoms of naphthalene poisoning. We report an unusual case of naphthalene poisoning. The decedent was an 87-year-old female who intentionally ingested over 5 g of naphthalene. After more than 5 hours, she was found in a drowsy state. During initial examination, hemoglobin level and urine test results were normal. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were elevated (854 and 1,197 U/L, respectively). Metabolic acidosis was found on arterial blood gas analysis. The patient was treated conservatively by administration of activated charcoal, calcium gluconate, insulin, and glucose. However, the patient died after 1 day of hospital admission. On autopsy, the liver showed toxic hepatitis with confluent necrosis. Naphthalene concentrations in the blood and gastric contents were 5.4 and 5.8 mg/L, respectively. In conclusion, the decedent ingested naphthalene and died due to liver failure without hemolysis.
