[Acute hepatitis after cutaneous application of an artisanal topical ointment with mercury].

Abstract

There is a risk of severe neurological disease, nephropathy and cutaneous complications during mercury poisoning. We report a case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, associated with histologically confirmed acute cytolytic hepatitis without liver failure, after application of a topical home-made ointment containing mercury. The patient was previously sensitized with mercurothiolate. A high level of mercury was found in the blood (68 microg/L, normal < 5 microg/L). Clinical and biological features disappeared after the ointment was discontinued. Biological acute hepatitis was probably from type IV sensitization, like that seen in acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, with no evidence of direct mercury poisoning and after lithiasis, viral, immune and drug side effects were excluded. Liver injury during acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is uncommon and usually mild, but should be searched for.

• Authors: P-Y Girault, P Rey, Y Veran
• Journal: Gastroenterologie clinique et biologique (Gastroenterol Clin Biol) Vol. 32 Issue 10 Pg. 819-23 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 0399-8320 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Hépatite aiguë après application cutanée d'une pommade artisanale contenant du mercure.
• PMID: 18804931 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ointments
• Thimerosal

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Administration, Cutaneous
• Aged
• Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury (complications, etiology)
• Drug Eruptions (complications, etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Ointments
• Thimerosal (administration & dosage, adverse effects)