High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis after a Suicide Attempt with Cyanide: The Rebirth of Cyanide Poisoning

Intern Med. 2015;54(15):1901-4. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.4272. Epub 2015 Aug 1.

Abstract

A 33-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department in a state of unconsciousness after attempting suicide with unknown substances. Severe metabolic acidosis (pH: 6.81), with a high anion gap (36.2) and high lactate level (20.2 mmol/L), was observed. After four hours of intensive medical treatment, the patient regained consciousness, with a return of the arterial pH to 7.42. Finally, cyanide intoxication was diagnosed based on the detection of a serum cyanide level of 3.5 mg/L. The presence of a high anion gap associated with severe lactic acidosis is a clue for making a rapid differential diagnosis of acute cyanide intoxication. Providing intensive and immediate supportive management is also crucial, even in cases without obtainable specific antidotes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acid-Base Equilibrium
  • Acidosis / chemically induced*
  • Acidosis / therapy
  • Adult
  • Cyanides / poisoning*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Suicide, Attempted*
  • Unconsciousness

Substances

  • Cyanides