Mercury embolism

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 22 Dec 2020

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Iqbal S, Bell D, Elfeky M, Mercury embolism. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 16 Apr 2024) https://radiopaedia.org/articles/85008

DOI:

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/85008

rID:

85008

Article created:

11 Dec 2020, Subhan Iqbal

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Subhan Iqbal had no recorded disclosures.

Last revised:

22 Dec 2020, Daniel J Bell ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Daniel J Bell had no recorded disclosures.

Revisions:

4 times, by 3 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Chest

Tags:

case, pulmonary embolism, mercury poisoning, cases

Synonyms:

Mercury embolism is a rare condition caused by the embolism of elemental mercury secondary to suicidal or accidental intravenous injection ^1,4.

Mercury embolism is primarily from intravenous injection of elemental mercury although it has rarely been seen secondary to ingestion ^1,4,6,7.

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