Calcium polysulfide overdose: a report of two cases.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Calcium polysulfide or lime-sulfur solution is a common agricultural product used as a fungicide. Despite its easy availability, only two prior cases of intentional ingestion, both from Japan, have been reported in the literature.

CASE REPORTS:

Two cases of calcium polysulfide ingestion are presented. In the first case severe acidosis, coma and cardiac arrest occurred. Despite aggressive supportive therapy, the patient expired. Autopsy examination revealed hemorrhagic necrosis of the gastric mucosa. The second patient also exhibited altered mental status and metabolic acidosis. He experienced liver dysfunction, rhabdomyolysis, renal dysfunction, and aspiration pneumonia. He had endoscopically proven esophageal and gastric mucosal burns which developed into esophageal strictures.

CONCLUSIONS:

Calcium polysulfide ingestions cause direct caustic injury to the upper gastrointestinal tract, coma and severe metabolic acidosis.

• Authors: B Z Horowitz, K Marquardt, E Swenson
• Journal: Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology (J Toxicol Clin Toxicol) Vol. 35 Issue 3 Pg. 299-303 ( 1997) ISSN: 0731-3810 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9140325 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Calcium Compounds
• Fungicides, Industrial
• Sulfides
• Thiosulfates
• calcium sulfide

Topics

• Acidosis (chemically induced)
• Adult
• Autopsy
• Calcium Compounds (poisoning)
• Coma (chemically induced)
• Drug Overdose
• Female
• Fungicides, Industrial (poisoning)
• Gastric Mucosa (drug effects, injuries)
• Heart Arrest (chemically induced, mortality)
• Humans
• Liver Failure (chemically induced)
• Male
• Pneumonia (chemically induced)
• Renal Insufficiency (chemically induced)
• Rhabdomyolysis (chemically induced)
• Sulfides (poisoning)
• Thiosulfates (poisoning)