Imaging insights in acute iron toxicity

Iron is more dangerous than most prescription medications, even though it is freely available, and is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in young infants. Imaging is important in early diagnosis and management of complications of iron poisoning, acute as well as long term. We report a case of 24-...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shiyam Sundaran, Murugan Gopalakrishnan, Venkatraman Indiran, Baskar A, Vetri Vignesh, Anchal Gupta
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.jkimsu.com/jkimsu-vol14no1/JKIMSU,%20Vol.%2014,%20No.%201,%20January-March%202025%20Page%20164-169.pdf
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Iron is more dangerous than most prescription medications, even though it is freely available, and is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in young infants. Imaging is important in early diagnosis and management of complications of iron poisoning, acute as well as long term. We report a case of 24-year-old female presenting with deliberate overdose of 30-40 iron (ferrous sulphate) tablets. We have discussed the role of X-ray abdomen and computer tomography in diagnosing iron poisoning. Despite treatment with deferoxamine chelation and hemodialysis, the patient's condition worsened over 72 hours, further progressing to multi-organ failure with refractory shock, culminating in cardiac failure. Despite aggressive supportive care, she succumbed to her illness. Autopsy findings revealed gastrointestinal mucosal erosion. A radiologist's role in diagnosing acute iron poisoning and assessing probable complication is significant.
ISSN:2231-4261