Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature, widely used in thermometers and other devices. Although external contact with this metal can be dangerous, its direct injection into the bloodstream is an extremely rare event with potentially serious consequences. This unusual case is about a person who injected liquid mercury into a vein, the effects this had on her health and the treatment she received.

The case: Injection of mercury into the bloodstream
A 21-year-old woman, a dental assistant, attempted suicide by injecting 10 milliliters (135 grams) of liquid mercury directly into a vein. Shortly after, she presented symptoms such as rapid breathing, dry cough and bloody sputum. A chest X-ray showed that the mercury had spread in her lungs in a vascular pattern, especially in the lower areas.

Surprisingly, after a week of hospitalization, her lung symptoms improved and she was discharged. She was given oral treatment with dimercaprol, a drug that helps remove heavy metals from the body, for nine months. However, the mercury levels in her urine did not show significant changes during this period.

Ten months after the incident, the patient had no adverse effects on her kidneys, digestive system or nervous system, although the abnormalities on the chest X-ray persisted.

Effects of mercury on the body
Mercury is toxic to the human body. When injected directly into the bloodstream, it can travel to different organs and cause damage. In this case, the mercury lodged mainly in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and coughing up blood. Fortunately, the patient did not develop damage to other organs such as the kidneys or brain, which can occur in cases of mercury poisoning.

Treatment and Recovery
Initial treatment included hospitalization to monitor and manage respiratory symptoms. Subsequently, dimercaprol, a chelating agent that binds to heavy metals such as mercury, was administered, facilitating their removal from the body.

Despite this treatment, the mercury levels in the patient's urine did not decrease significantly, indicating that the mercury remained in her body. However, clinically, the patient showed no long-term adverse effects on major organs.

Important Considerations
1. Risks of Injecting Foreign Substances

Injecting non-medical substances into the body can have serious and unpredictable consequences.

2. Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

In the event of any attempt at self-harm or poisoning, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to minimize damage and receive appropriate treatment.

3. Mental Health

Suicide attempts indicate an urgent need for psychological and emotional support. It is essential that people in crisis seek professional help and have a support network.

Conclusion
This case highlights the dangers of injecting mercury into the bloodstream and the body's ability to handle toxic exposures in certain circumstances. Although the patient did not suffer permanent damage, similar situations can have fatal outcomes. Prevention, education and access to mental health services are essential to avoid incidents of this type.