Caustic substances are highly corrosive and dangerous, causing protein denaturation and tissue necrosis by altering pH upon contact. Common examples include muriatic acid, caustic soda, and ammonia. This case study details a 44-year-old man who ingested muriatic acid in a suicide attempt, leading to widespread esophageal and gastric ulcerations, tissue necrosis, pulmonary consolidations, and bloodstream infections (Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Acinetobacter Baumanii complex). Despite medical interventions, the patient died. An autopsy was performed and it revealed extensive multi-organ hemorrhages and systemic damage. The findings highlight the rapid and fatal systemic effects of caustic ingestion, underscoring the importance of immediate emergency care, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy and gastric lavage, to mitigate absorption and systemic impact.
A rare case of suicide by ingestion of muriatic acid: analysis of the medico-legal evidences
Sacco M. A.;Gualtieri S.;Verrina M. C.;Tarallo A. P.;Ricci P.;Aquila I.
2025-01-01
Abstract
Caustic substances are highly corrosive and dangerous, causing protein denaturation and tissue necrosis by altering pH upon contact. Common examples include muriatic acid, caustic soda, and ammonia. This case study details a 44-year-old man who ingested muriatic acid in a suicide attempt, leading to widespread esophageal and gastric ulcerations, tissue necrosis, pulmonary consolidations, and bloodstream infections (Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Acinetobacter Baumanii complex). Despite medical interventions, the patient died. An autopsy was performed and it revealed extensive multi-organ hemorrhages and systemic damage. The findings highlight the rapid and fatal systemic effects of caustic ingestion, underscoring the importance of immediate emergency care, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy and gastric lavage, to mitigate absorption and systemic impact.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
