Radiographic aspects of metallic mercury embolism

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism of intravenous metallic mercury is rare. Although it results in striking radiographic abnormalities [1 -1 0], its documentation in the radiologic literature is limited [3, 4, 1 0]. We report an unusual case of intravenous mercury embolism in a mentally disturbed patient who attempted to conceal a suicidal gesture by ingesting a broken clinical thermometer. Radiographic examination was helpful in confirming the intravenous entry of the mercury and in differentiating it from aspiration of mercury into the tracheobronchial tree.