Journal Published Online: 01 November 2001
Volume 46, Issue 6

A Case of Suicide by Ingestion of Sodium Nitroprusside

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The study reports a case of suicide by ingestion of sodium nitroprusside which resulted in acute cyanide poisoning. Analyses carried out on body fluid yielded the quantitation of total (5.00 mg/L) and free (3.30 mg/L) cyanide in blood and of methemoglobin (blood = 10.5%). At the scene, some solid reddish-brown material was found in a glass, which on toxicological analysis was found to contain sodium nitroprusside; about 9 g of the same substance was identified in stomach contents. The detection and quantification of cyanide and methemoglobin in biological samples from the case indicated that the lethal effect was due to both metabolic products (cyanide and methemoglobin).

Author Information

Froldi, R
Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
Cingolani, M
Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Ancona, Ospedale Regionale, Ancona, Italy
Cacaci, C
Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS15180J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15180J