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Mercury embolism

Case contributed by Daniel Mckay
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Dyspnea.

x-ray

Multiple foci of rounded high-attenuation throughout both lungs, with a more focal area of confluent high attenuation in the inferior-anterior mediastinum.

ct

Scattered high attenuation foci in a peripheral distribution with average density of 1500HU.

Confluent area of high attenuation within the anterior right ventricle. 

Case Discussion

The patient has a remote history of suicide attempt by intravenous mercury injection. 

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