From Encephalitis Pre-Diagnosis to Poisoning: Acute Cyanide Poisoning

Abstract

Cyanide is the fastest and the most fatal poison among other known poisons. It is rapidly absorbed through the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, and can also be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and skin. Cyanide can be found as a component in many fruit seeds. If it is chewed and swallowed, it can cause toxic side effects. Confusion and lactic acidosis were determined in a three-year-old child who was admitted to the pediatric emergency room with a complaint of seizure, and according to detailed anamnesis, neurological causes were excluded and cyanide poisoning was diagnosed. An intravenous infusion of hydroxycobalamine (Cyanokit®) was given and rapid response was obtained. We presented this case to call attention to the clinical and laboratory findings of cyanide poisoning, which is rare and can be fatal. Also, we aimed to emphasize the importance of detailed history in intoxications.

Keywords

• child
• encephalitis
• cyanide

Ensefalit Ön Tanısından Zehirlenmeye: Akut Siyanür Zehirlenmesi

Abstract

Siyanür bilinen en hızlı ölümcül zehirler arasında yer alır. Solunum yolu ve mukoz membranlardan hızla emilir, ayrıca gastrointestinal sistem ve deri yoluyla da absorbe edilebilir. Birçok meyve çekirdeğinde bulunan siyanürün toksik yan etkilere neden olabilmesi için çiğnenerek yutulması gerekir. Nöbet yakınmasıyla çocuk acil servise başvuran üç yaşında bir çocukta konfüzyon, laktik asidoz ve ayrıntılı anamnez bilgileri ışığında nörolojik nedenlerden uzaklaşılıp siyanür zehirlenmesi düşünülmüş, hidroksikobalamin (Cyanokit®) intravenöz infüzyonu verilmiş ve hızlı yanıt alınmıştır. Olgu, zehirlenmelerde anamnezin önemine vurgu yaparak nadir görülen ve fatal olabilen siyanür zehirlenmesinin klinik ve laboratuar bulgularına dikkat çekmek amacı ile sunulmuştur.

Keywords

• çocuk
• ensefalit
• siyanür

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