Gradinger Robert, Jung Christian, Reinhardt Dirk, Mall Gerhard, Figulla Hans Reiner
Department of Cardiology/Internal Medicine, Friedrich Schiller University, Erlanger Allee 101, D-07747 Jena, Germany.
Heart Lung Circ. 2008 Jun;17(3):248-50. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2007.04.011. Epub 2007 Sep 5.
We report the case of a 32-year-old man, admitted to cardiac care unit with congestive heart failure, caused by a reduced global cardiac function four months after oral hydrofluoric acid ingestion while attempting suicide. Biopsy results of left ventricular myocardium confirmed toxic myocarditis due to ingestion of hydrofluoric acid. This case represents an uncommon example of toxic myocarditis as a long-term complication of oral hydrofluoric acid ingestion. We recommend cardiological follow-up consultations in patients with hydrofluoric acid intoxication for early detection of cardiac deterioration.