Chronic Copper Sulfate Poisoning
  • Ana Paula Perestrelo
    Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Alameda Pêro da Covilhã, Covilhã, Portugal
  • Gonçalo Filipe Lopes Miranda
    Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5011-0940
  • Maria Inês Gonçalves
    Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Alameda Pêro da Covilhã, Covilhã, Portugal
  • Carolina Belino
    Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Alameda Pêro da Covilhã, Covilhã, Portugal
  • Rosa Ballesteros
    Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Alameda Pêro da Covilhã, Covilhã, Portugal

Keywords

Copper sulfate poisoning, kidney injury

Abstract

Copper, as a salt, is toxic and has the potential to harm multiple organs. Copper intoxication causes intravascular haemolysis followed by liver and kidney failure that can be fatal. We present a case of chronic copper sulfate poisoning in a 66-year-old man with dysphagia to solids and liquids, anaemia, acute kidney injury, liver cytolysis and hypocalcaemia. The patient improved with supportive care, but chronic kidney disease was established. Anamnesis was crucial for the diagnosis, given the non-specific signs and symptoms. The history of chronic exposure to pest treatment with a blue dust cloud made us suspect copper sulfate poisoning.

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    Published: 2021-02-17
    Issue: 2021: Vol 8 No 2 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Perestrelo AP, Miranda GFL, Gonçalves MI, Belino C, Ballesteros R. Chronic Copper Sulfate Poisoning. EJCRIM 2021;8 doi:10.12890/2021_002309.