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Double rarity: an unusual case of bromoform poisoning detected by post-mortem radiography

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Abstract

Bromoform ingestion and toxicity is a rare finding. Historically, bromoform was therapeutically prescribed as a sedative in whooping cough, and accidental overdoses occurred mainly in children. Bromoform is used in various industries. In the twenty-first century, bromoform ingestion can occur in the form of chlorinated water such as in pools and drinking water. We present a case report where the initial history and circumstances of death were unknown. A pre-autopsy full-body X-ray image using the Lodox® Xmplar-dr scanner revealed a dense radiopaque material in the stomach and intestines. This radiological finding proved vital in the approach and subsequent follow-up of the case.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Level 1, Falmouth Building, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa

    Marna du Plessis, Izelle Möller & Linda Liebenberg

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  1. Marna du Plessis
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  2. Izelle Möller
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  3. Linda Liebenberg
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Correspondence to Marna du Plessis.

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Key points

1. Bromoform has many uses.

2. There is little information regarding bromoform toxicity in humans.

3. Post-mortem radiology can be used to provide clues in the investigation of certain drug/toxin-related deaths.

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du Plessis, M., Möller, I. & Liebenberg, L. Double rarity: an unusual case of bromoform poisoning detected by post-mortem radiography. Int J Legal Med 134, 703–708 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-019-02032-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-019-02032-1

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