DOI: 10.1542/peds.22.4.675. ACUTE POISONING ASSOCIATED WITH INHALATION OF MERCURY VAPOR

ACUTE POISONING ASSOCIATED WITH INHALATION OF MERCURY VAPOR

10.1542/peds.22.4.675

Crossref journal-article

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Pediatrics (417)

Abstract

Four cases of pneumonitis associated with the inhalation of mercury vapor are described in detail. Three of the four cases were fatal. The illness was characterized by the sudden onset of tachypnea, cough, fever, gastrointestinal disturbances and central nervous system manifestations. Ordinary laboratory tests were not helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Quantitative analysis of the urine for mercury was suggestive but not diagnostic. Roentgenograms of the lungs revealed interstitial pneumonitis. Analysis of tissue for mercury in the lungs, liver and spleen of two of the cases showed substantially increased mercury content. The outstanding pathologic features in the three fatal cases were erosive bronchitis and bronchiolitis, with severe interstitial pneumonitis. The presently accepted mode of therapy for acute poisoning due to ingestion of mercury is early use of BAL. Its use is probably also indicated in acute poisoning due to inhalation of mercury vapor. Supportive care in the form of oxygen, mist, and parenteral fluids is indicated.

Bibliography

Matthes, F. T., Kirschner, R., Yow, M. D., & Brennan, J. C. (1958). ACUTE POISONING ASSOCIATED WITH INHALATION OF MERCURY VAPOR. Pediatrics, 22(4), 675â688.

Authors 4

Fred T. Matthes (first)
Rudolph Kirschner (additional)
Martha D. Yow (additional)
James C. Brennan (additional)

References 0 Referenced 35

None

Dates

Type	When
Created	3 years, 8 months ago (Dec. 9, 2021, 10:18 p.m.)
Deposited	3 years, 8 months ago (Dec. 9, 2021, 10:18 p.m.)
Indexed	3 months, 3 weeks ago (May 8, 2025, 10:40 a.m.)
Issued	66 years, 11 months ago (Oct. 1, 1958)
Published	66 years, 11 months ago (Oct. 1, 1958)
Published Online	66 years, 11 months ago (Oct. 1, 1958)
Published Print	66 years, 11 months ago (Oct. 1, 1958)

Funders 0

None

BibTeX

@article{Matthes_1958, title={ACUTE POISONING ASSOCIATED WITH INHALATION OF MERCURY VAPOR}, volume={22}, ISSN={1098-4275}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1542/peds.22.4.675}, DOI={10.1542/peds.22.4.675}, number={4}, journal={Pediatrics}, publisher={American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)}, author={Matthes, Fred T. and Kirschner, Rudolph and Yow, Martha D. and Brennan, James C.}, year={1958}, month=oct, pages={675–688} }

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