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2016, Volume 32, Number 1, Page(s) 051-053
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DOI: 10.5146/tjpath.2013.01196 |
Clinical and Pathological Findings on Intoxication by Yellow Phosphorus After Ingesting Firework Cracker: A Rare Case of Autopsy |
Emine TÜRKMEN ŞAMDANCI1, Ebru ÇAKIR1, Nurhan ŞAHİN2, Candan ELMALI1, Sadegül SAYIN1 |
1Department of Pathology, İnönü University, Faculty of Medicine, MALATYA, TURKEY
2Department of Pathology, Malatya State Hospital, MALATYA, TURKEY |
Keywords:
Phosphorus, Hepatic failure, Fatty liver, Autopsy |
Yellow phosphorus is a toxic substance used in the production of
firework cracker, fireworks, ammunition and agricultural dung. When
ingested, it shows its effects mainly in the liver, the kidneys, and the
brain. A four-year-old girl had died as a result of acute hepatic failure
caused by ingesting a firework cracker. The case showed high levels
of hepatic enzymes, along with non-specific signs such as nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea. Autopsy revealed diffuse microvesicular
steatosis in the liver and disseminated degeneration in the proximal
tubules of the kidneys. In cases with concomitant hepatorenal failure
and cardiovascular collapse, death is inevitable. However, when only
hepatic failure develops, hepatic transplantation may be lifesaving.
Although intoxication from ingesting yellow phosphorus has a
very high rate of mortality, forensic cases are extremely rare in the
literature.
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