Radiopaque rodenticide

Abstract

Background: Rodenticide poisoning is common in developing countries. Patients may be unwilling or unable to provide a history on presentation.

Case history: A 34-year-old man was referred to the emergency department three hours after the intentional ingestion of five packs of a black powdered rodenticide containing zinc phosphide. Radiopaque material was detected in the stomach on an abdominal radiograph.

Conclusion: Abdominal radiography may be a useful tool in identifying the ingestion of metal phosphides when a history is not obtainable.

Keywords: Zinc phosphide; poisoning; radiography conservative treatment; rodenticide.