Problem statement: Injection of metallic mercury in the forms of subcutaneous or intravenous has been hitherto reported in less than a hundred cases. Approach: We reported a 19 year old male with history of major depression who subcutaneously injected metallic mercury into his right forearm with suicidal intention. Results: A week later, a mild elevation of creatinine level was noted. Subsequently, mercury deposits were totally removed with all affected tissues and fascia of the right forearm. Later, the creatinine level decreased to the normal range. Conclusion: The present case is an example of suicidal attempt that presented with subcutaneous injection of elemental mercury mimicking bacterial cellulitis. Physicians should consider heavy metal injections when evaluating a patient with history of psychiatric disorders presented with bacterial cellulitis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.