Autopsy report for chemical burns from cresol solution.

Abstract

Cresol, which is used as a disinfectant and insecticide, has erosive effects on epidermal and epithelial tissues in the body. Oral exposure causes gastrointestinal corrosive injuries as a direct chemical burn. We report herein a case of suicidal poisoning by ingestion of cresol solution. An octogenarian man with depression was found dead approximately 14 h after exposure to less than 500 mL of saponated cresol solution. Macroscopically, corrosive lesions such as red-to-brown-colored epithelium and edematous thickening of walls were seen in the skin, mouth, oral cavity, esophagus, and stomach. Histopathologically, coagulative necrosis and vascular dilatation were detected from mucosal to muscular layers in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Congestive edema of the lungs, edematous changes in the brain, and proximal tubular necrosis of the kidneys were seen, suggesting acute circulatory disturbance due to shock. This human case offers valuable information on the direct irritation and shock induced by systemic exposure to corrosive substances.

• Authors: Yuko Emoto, Katsuhiko Yoshizawa, Nobuaki Shikata, Airo Tsubura, Yasushi Nagasaki
• Journal: Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie (Exp Toxicol Pathol) Vol. 68 Issue 1 Pg. 99-102 (Jan 2016) ISSN: 1618-1433 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 26404918 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Cresols
• cresol

Topics

• Aged, 80 and over
• Autopsy
• Burns, Chemical (etiology, pathology)
• Cresols (poisoning)
• Humans
• Male
• Suicide