Liposuction Technique Used as a Treatment Modality for Suicide Attempt by Injection of Mercury

Abstract

Elemental mercury poisoning commonly occurs through vapour inhalation as it is well absorbed through the lungs. Administering subcutaneous and intravenous elemental mercury is very uncommon with only a few isolated case reports in literature. We present a case of attempted suicide by subcutaneous injection of elemental mercury, an unusual substance used for suicide. As the attempt at self-injury was not confessed by the patient, diagnosis was challenging. Patient was treated with an initial diagnosis of cellulitis, but with repeated and persistent questioning, a history of self-injection of mercury into the arm was revealed. On confirmation, mercury was aspirated from subcutaneous space similar to liposuction technique under X-ray guidance. Management of subcutaneous injection of elemental mercury with particular emphasis on the need for surgical removal of all available mercury is discussed.