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a SciTechnol journal Case Report Yadukul et al., J Forensic Toxicol Pharmacol 2014, 3:3 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2325-9841.1000123 Journal of Forensic Toxicology & Pharmacology All articles published in Journal of Forensic Toxicology & Pharmacology are the property of SciTechnol, and is protected by copyright laws. Copyright © 2014, SciTechnol, All Rights Reserved. International Publisher of Science, Technology and Medicine Fatal Suicidal Case of Cyanide Poisoning- A Case Report Yadukul S 1 *, Venkataraghava S 2 , Fathima T 3 and Gaonkar VB 3 Abstract Hydrocyanic acid (HCN) is a solution of HCN in water (either 2% or 4%), the 4% solution being called ‘sheele’s acid’. Cyanides are white powders and are in common use in many trades like metallurgy, photography, electroplating, fumigation of ships and aircrafts and in agriculture for spraying to destroy blight. Here we present a case of fatal cyanide poisoning wherein the person had taken the compound orally, developed convulsions and declared ‘brought dead’ in the nearby hospital. Keywords Hydrocyanic acid; Cyanide poisoning; Sheele’s acid *Corresponding author: Dr. Yadukul S, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, India, Tel: +91(0)9986510681; E-mail: dr.koooool@ gmail.com Received: March 20, 2014 Accepted: June 20, 2014 Published: June 27, 2014 e fatal dose of hydrocyanic acid can be given as follows: HCN gas: 100-200ppm in air. HCN liquid: 50-60mg. KCN, NaCN: 150-300mg e fatal dose of cyanides being small, prominent Nazis allowed it to be used as hidden suicide pills/capsules at the end of the last war [3]. Onset of action depends on the form of the poison, concentration and rate of absorption. When the gas is inhaled, consciousness may be lost at once and prompt death may occur due to respiratory arrest. Aſter ingestion, symptoms appear within minutes, during which time, the victim may perform certain voluntary acts, such as corking, or throwing away the bottle or walking a little distance [1-3]. Case Details History As per the inquest by Magadi Road Police station, a case was booked under 174CrPC (Criminal Penal Code in Indian law) on 19/05/2012 for alleged history of consumption of an unknown compound. e deceased was a 19yr old male, who developed generalized convulsions on 19/05/2012 at 12:30p.m, and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was declared ‘brought dead’. e autopsy was done at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Victoria Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, India on 20/5/2012. Autopsy findings e dead body was that of a male (Figure 1) measuring 166cm in length, moderately built and nourished. Rigor mortis was appreciated all over the body. Bright red post-mortem staining was present over the back of the body. ere were no demonstrable external injuries present over the body. Lungs – Congested and edematous; cut section exudes blood mixed with froth. Stomach - Contains 100ml of brown color fluid; smells peculiar; mucosa congested (Figure 2). Brain was soſtened and edematous. All the other organs were intact and congested. Blood and viscera was collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for chemical analysis. Whole brain was preserved & sent for Histo-pathological examination. Forensic science laboratory report Color tests have demonstrated the presence of cyanide ions in the blood & viscera sent. Histo-pathological examination report Gross – Unremarkable; Microscopic Examination – partial autolytic changes in all the viscera sent; appears to be within normal limits. Cause of death On perusal of Forensic Science Laboratory opinion, Histo- pathological Examination report & Autopsy findings, I am of the opinion that Death is due to Respiratory Failure as a result of Introduction Hydrocyanic acid is a very potent, extremely lethal and rapidly acting substance. Poisoning with HCN is almost always fatal because of the low fatal dose and the rapidity with which it acts. HCN is toxic to all living beings except bacteria [1]. e pure acid is a colorless, transparent, volatile liquid with an odor resembling that of bitter almonds. It decomposes rapidly on exposure to light. About 20 - 40% of the population cannot smell the gas, and the ability to detect it is a sex-linked recessive trait. Potassium ferro-cyanide and ferri-cyanide are not poisonous [2]. Hydrocyanic acid forms cyanides with metals. Of these, potassium and sodium cyanide, mercuric cyanide and silver cyanide are used in photography, electroplating, hardening of steel, silver processing, gold processing and dyeing. ese salts are soluble in water, alkaline in reaction and highly poisonous. Calcium cyanide is cheaper and is used in mining industry. Magnesium cyanide and cyanogen chloride are used as insecticides [3]. Cyanides are produced in major fires where the burning of wool, silk, nylon, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile releases hydrogen cyanide [3]. Mechanism of action Cyanide inhibits the action of cytochrome oxidase, carbonic anhydrase and probably of other enzyme systems. It blocks the final step of oxidative phosphorylation and prevents the formation of ATP and its use as energy source. Cyanides acts by reducing the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, and by combining with the ferric iron atom of intracellular cytochrome oxidase, preventing the uptake of oxygen for cellular respiration. ere is an interference with the intracellular oxidative processes in the tissues and it kills by creating histotoxic anoxia, although the blood may contain normal oxygen content [2].
