ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 September 1987
Page Count: 6

Massive Metoprolol Ingestion Associated with a Fatality—A Case Report
de Tuscan, BE
Toxicologist I, chief medical examiner, toxicology laboratory director, and toxicologist II, Broward County Medical Examiner's Office, FL

David Riker, C
Toxicologist I, chief medical examiner, toxicology laboratory director, and toxicologist II, Broward County Medical Examiner's Office, FL

Wright, RK
Toxicologist I, chief medical examiner, toxicology laboratory director, and toxicologist II, Broward County Medical Examiner's Office, FL

Matusiak, W
Toxicologist I, chief medical examiner, toxicology laboratory director, and toxicologist II, Broward County Medical Examiner's Office, FL

(Received 3 October 1986; accepted 29 December 1986)

Abstract

An unusual fatality involving a 26-year-old male who intentionally ingested approximately 10 g of metaoprolol is presented. Autopsy findings revealed foreign material in the gastric content with an acute thrombosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Microscopic studies showed evidence of an extremely early infarct. Metoprolol concentrations in the blood, liver, gastric content, and urine are reported by both capillary gas chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometric analysis. A review of the literature confirmed that little information has been published concerning intoxication with this drug.

Keywords:
toxicology, metoprolol, death, ingestion, acute thrombosis, analysis

Paper ID: JFS11194J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11194J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.