Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Iqbal S, Bell D, Elfeky M, Mercury embolism. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 11 May 2024) https://radiopaedia.org/articles/85008?iframe=true
Mercury embolism is a rare condition caused by the embolism of elemental mercury secondary to suicidal or accidental intravenous injection 1,4.
Pathology
Etiology
Mercury embolism is primarily from intravenous injection of elemental mercury although it has rarely been seen secondary to ingestion 1,4,6,7.
Radiographic features
CT
HRCT of chest exhibits 1-5:
- multiple metallic point densities diffusely dispersed throughout both lung fields
- hyperattenuating branching structures in the symmetric distribution in both lung parenchyma
- right ventricle apex and pulmonary arteries also a potential site of mercury accumulation
-
1. Madan K, Tiwari P, Hadda V et-al. Pulmonary 'mercury' embolism. (2015) BMJ case reports. doi:10.1136/bcr-2015-213255 - Pubmed
-
2. Ch vBM, Ch RNeE, Ch ToGlJ et-al. [Intravenous injection of metallic mercury in a foot]. (2020) Medicina. doi: - Pubmed
-
3. Zorrilla P, Zorrilla MC, Zorrilla GmL et-al. Intravenous and subcutaneous injection of mercury: an unusual self-injury. (2009) The Journal of trauma. doi:10.1097/01.ta.0000219909.03256.64 - Pubmed
-
4. Lorenzo DM, Lorenzo CVE, Lorenzo BGrJ et-al. [Pulmonary embolism caused by elemental mercury]. (2007) Archivos de bronconeumologia. doi: - Pubmed
-
5. Papadopoulos C, Papadopoulos VN, Papadopoulos RJ et-al. [Mercury pulmonary embolism. Two case reports]. (1999) Revue de pneumologie clinique. doi: - Pubmed
-
6. Botnaru V, Gavriliuc A, Mihalache V et-al. [Elemental mercury embolism in the lung]. (2004) Pneumologia (Bucharest, Romania). 53 (3): 109-14. Pubmed
-
7. Lu Q, Liu Z, Chen X. Mercury poisoning through intravenous administration: Two case reports with literature review. (2017) Medicine. 96 (46): e8643. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000008643 - Pubmed
Promoted articles (advertising)