Carbon Monoxide and Cyanide Intoxication: An Association to Remember

Abstract

Carbon monoxide and cyanide are toxins that induce cellular hypoxia; both can be produced in the context of domestic fires and may have a synergistic effect. We present the case of a man, victim of a house fire, who was initially diagnosed as having carbon monoxide poisoning, but that afterwards also presented signs and symptoms compatible with cyanide poisoning. He was successfully treated with an antidote. We want to highlight this relatively frequent association of poisonings and the need for urgent empirical treatment.

Keywords: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/therapy; Cyanides/poisoning.