CTICasesIntravenous Metallic Mercury Embolization
Imaging findings
Chest radiographs show numerous tiny, extremely radiopaque, metallic-density, punctate and branching deposits distributed diffusely throughout both lungs. There is gravity-dependent layering of these hyperdense metallic particles in the right ventricle, and systemic embolization is visible in the kidneys, suggesting right-to-left shunting.
Key takeaways
Intravenous injection of elemental metallic mercury (typically obtained from thermometers) leads to pulmonary mercury embolization, which presents as diffuse, highly radiopaque, punctate metallic densities in the lungs on radiography. It can also layer in the right ventricle due to its high density and systemically embolize if a patent foramen ovale or other shunt is present.
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