We hereby report on the case of a 40-year-old patient who used elemental mercury for suicidal purposes by voluntary ingestion of approximately 100 mL. We describe this unusual form of suicide attempt and present the different short- and long-term consequences. We emphasize the need for caretakers to anticipate the collection of disposed mercury, in order to avoid environmental polluting and associated consequences. We also mention the importance of collaboration between somatic physicians and psychiatrists to limit institutional consequences.
What is already known about this topic?
Voluntary mercury intoxication by ingestion is rare. After ingestion, elimination of mercury is mainly via the feces and secondarily via the urine, while a very small portion is excreted in the exhaled air. Mercury elimination has major short-term consequences, with a risk of inhalation which, unlike ingestion, is highly toxic in the short term. In the literature, various therapeutic means are used, with varying degrees of success and are subject to controversy.
What does this article bring up for us?
We report on an unusual etiology of attempted suicide with both short- and long-term consequences. The uncommon nature of this suicide attempt is linked to the long-term toxicity for the patient. This article provides information on the major consequences of mercury ingestion involving its excretion and elimination. It highlights the medical, institutional, and public health consequences of massive mercury poisoning.
Keywords
Mercury, toxicity, ingestion, voluntary, intoxication, psychiatry, public health