A Case of Acute Lung Injury due to Mercury Vapor Inhalation / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Mercury is traditionally used as a dye for making amulets in Korea. Inhaling the vapor produced by burning mercury damages major organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, and brain. We herein present a case of a 41-year-old man who complained of abdominal pain and dyspnea. A chest X-ray and computed tomography scan showed infiltration in both upper lung lobes. A thorough medical history revealed that the patient had made amulets prior to developing symptoms, and blood and urine tests confirmed elevated levels of mercury. Dimercaptosuccinic acid was used to chelate the mercury, and methylprednisolone was used to treat the acute lung injury. No kidney or nervous system complications were detected during follow-up. Inhalation of mercury vapor should be suspected in patients with acute lung injury involving both upper lobes.