A complex rare presentation of rice tablet poisoning: A case report

Abstract

Aluminum phosphide, known as "rice tablet" (RT), is a common cause of suicide in adult women in Iran, with a high rate of lethal outcome. We report a patient with RT toxicity, with a complex syndrome of hepatic failure, renal failure, Brugada electrocardiography (ECG) patterns, and pleuropericardial effusion. The patient received conventional management with fluid therapy, gastric washing, activated charcoal followed by intra-aortic balloon pump insertion, inotropic drugs support, and mechanical ventilation. The unique features of our case are related to a combination of multiorgan failure with Brugada atypical ECG patterns and pleuropericardial effusion. Among the aforementioned complications, pleuropericardial effusion, ascites, and Brugada syndrome are exceedingly rare events. The patient was treated with high-dose inotropic drugs and intra-aortic balloon pump insertion. Despite tremendous management of metabolic acidosis, all efforts failed, and the patient died with sudden cardiac arrest.