About this episode
Contributor: Nick Tsipis, MD Educational Pearls: Arsenic is a heavy metal that binds to multiple cellular enzymes and inhibits aerobic metabolism It is primarily absorbed through the skin, respiratory and GI tract. The classic symptoms of heavy metal exposure are GI irritation (watery diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain) with multisystem organ failure. Neuropathy can present insidiously Initial work up includes EKG, and basic lab work (expect a delayed rise in liver function tests). Acute arsenic ingestions can sometimes show up on imaging as it is radioapaque Diagnosis is usually made with the history and evidence of multisystem organ failure. Treatment should be coordinated with your local Poison Control or toxicologist and involves predominantly supportive care along with chelating agents succimer (oral) or dimercaprol (intramuscular) References L ong N. Arsenic toxicity • LITFL • Toxicology Library Toxicant. Life in the Fast Lane • LITFL • Medical Blog. https://litfl.com/arsenic-toxicity/. Published August 25, 2019. Kuivenhoven M, Mason K. Arsenic (Arsine) Toxicity. [Updated 2019 Apr 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541125/