Mercury poisoning from intravenous injection: treatment by granuloma resection

Ann Plast Surg. 1991 Jun;26(6):592-6. doi: 10.1097/00000637-199106000-00018.

Abstract

Intravenous injection of mercury is a rare event. Mercury administered by this route may have several different consequences. In addition to elevated serum mercury levels, the diagnosis may be made by radiographic detection of metallic densities in the chest and at the sites of injection. Death due to mercury intoxication is unusual. Impairment of renal and hepatic function may occur. Our patient presented with gingivitis and a dentoalveolar abscess. Dense granulomas occur at the sites of injection. Treatment for these patients should include granuloma excision as the benefit of chelating agents, for chronic mercury intoxication is questionable. Skin and granuloma resection may leave vital structures exposed, necessitating flap coverage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brachial Artery / drug effects*
  • Brachial Artery / surgery
  • Brachial Plexus / drug effects*
  • Brachial Plexus / surgery
  • Elbow / blood supply*
  • Elbow / innervation
  • Granuloma / chemically induced*
  • Granuloma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Mercury / administration & dosage*
  • Mercury Poisoning / complications*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*

Substances

  • Mercury