Liquid ammonia injury

Atrial Fibrillation after Inhalational Lung Injury: A Troubling Complication of a Rare Problem

“…George et al report a case of severe ammonia poisoning, who suffered unexplained quadriparesis and severe sinus bradycardia [7]. The patient in this case report had a fatal cardiac arrest.…”

“…High blood pressure, bradycardia, and cardiac arrest have been reported in humans as a result of acute exposure to highly concentrated aerosols of ammonium compounds [7]. George et al report a case of severe ammonia poisoning, who suffered unexplained quadriparesis and severe sinus bradycardia [7].…”

Massive Anhydrous Ammonia Injury Leading to Lung Transplantation

“…Most importantly, tracheostomy reduces the dead space and maintains clear airway while slough, debris, and blood tend to block the endotracheal tube. 7 From the extent of the lung damage that our patient sustained and information from investigation revealing that about 100 L of ammonia were released at the scene of the accident, we can assume that he was exposed to ammonia levels more than 2,000 ppm. We estimate that the time of our patient's exposure exceeded 30 minutes since he was unconscious and other workers were not able to remove him because the scene of the accident was not secure.…”

“…Inhalation of its fumes can result in nasopharyngeal and tracheal burns, airway obstruction, respiratory distress, bronchiolar and alveolar edema, and finally respiratory failure. 1,3,7,12 All patients with respiratory symptoms should receive supplemental oxygen by mask to ensure adequate respiration during the prehospital management. Laryngeal edema and airway compromise can develop very swiftly in patients with significant facial and pharyngeal burns, so early endotracheal intubation or even tracheostomy is advisable.…”

Cardiovascular Toxicology

“…Venediktova et al observed an increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the rat heart upon acute ammonia inhalation. A 47-year-old patient developed unexplained bradycardia after being exposed to ammonia for over 45 minutes (616). Several case reports have cited ammonia-induced cardiotoxicity due to accidental intoxication.…”