Journal Published Online: 01 November 1996
Volume 41, Issue 6

Suicidal Chloroquine Poisoning: Clinical Course, Autopsy Findings, and Chemical Analysis

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Suicidal overdose of chloroquine is rare. We present a 14-year-old girl who was admitted to our Emergency Department after intentional ingestion of 7.5 g of chloroquine base followed by cardiac and respiratory arrest. Despite early mechanical ventilation, cardiac support, and treatment with high doses of diazepam, the patient died. Laboratory investigation indicated disseminated intravascular coagulation confirmed by petechial hemorhages in the leptomeninges at autopsy, a finding that has not previously been described. Postmortem tissue analysis demonstrated early drug distribution to the medulla oblongata and cerebellum.

Author Information

M, Muhm
University of Vienna University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Stimpfl, T
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Vienna
Malzer, R
University of Vienna
Mortinger, H
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Vienna
Binder, R
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Vienna
Vycudilik, W
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Vienna
Berzlanovich, A
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Vienna
Bauer, G
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Vienna
Laggner, AN
University of Vienna
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS14054J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14054J