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Four cases of fatal acute arsenic poisoning: histopathology, toxicology, and new trends

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Abstract

Arsenic is a valuable component in tumor treatment and traditional Chinese medicine and has seen widespread use in processing, manufacturing, and agriculture. Although rare, arsenic poisoning can occur in forensic practice. Elusive pathological changes, as well as obscure clinical signs, may cause arsenic poisoning to go unrecognized. Here, we report four cases of fatal acute arsenic poisoning, with careful observation of pathological changes and collection of postmortem specimens for arsenic concentration analysis. Additionally, we reviewed six cases of fatal arsenic poisoning in the past 20 years. In the present study, microvesicular steatosis in the peripheral areas of the hepatic lobules and acute splenitis were observed, which are rare findings in acute arsenic poisoning. This study summarizes the histopathological features of arsenic poisoning and presents data on arsenic distribution. Arsenic concentrations in the liver and kidneys can increase the reliability of identifying arsenic poisoning. Furthermore, in traditional Chinese medicine-related deaths, arsenic poisoning needs more attention.

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Author notes

  1. Yu Liu, and Xin Tong contributed equally.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China

    Yu Liu, Xin Tong, Zhonghao Yu, Jiaxin Zhang, Longda Ma, Qing Shi & Yiwu Zhou

  2. Department of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 2Nd Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China

    Shuquan Zhao

Authors
  1. Yu Liu
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Correspondence to Yiwu Zhou.

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Liu, Y., Tong, X., Zhao, S. et al. Four cases of fatal acute arsenic poisoning: histopathology, toxicology, and new trends. Forensic Sci Med Pathol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-023-00654-x

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