146
Views
4
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Rapid Communication

Subperitoneal pelvic exposure of elemental mercury from a broken thermometer

, , , &
Pages 145-148 | Received 04 Dec 2011, Accepted 31 Dec 2011, Published online: 10 Feb 2012
 

Abstract

Subperitoneal pelvic exposure of elemental mercury from a broken thermometer is quite rare. The outcome and intervention for such a situation is uncertain. A 10-month-old boy was exposed to elemental mercury when a mercury thermometer was broken while being used to measure a central temperature rectally. Deposits of mercury were localized in the subperitoneal pelvic cavity, as seen on consecutive abdominal films and CT scan. Serum and urine mercury concentrations were elevated but no systemic symptoms or signs were found. Laparoscopic surgery removed most of the mercury deposits but failed to remove them completely. At the 11-month follow-up, serum and urine mercury concentrations normalized and no systemic toxicity was present.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.