Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
SCOPUS
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 25
  • Issue: 2

Autopsy Findings and Toxicological Insights in a Rare Case of Bromisovalum (BVU) Poisoning

  • Author:
  • Siddharth Kalia1, Ashirwad Assudaney2, Nidhi Mahlawat3,*, Arjun K. Saini4, Rakesh Soni5, Vijay Arora6
  • Total Page Count: 3
  • Published Online: Apr 24, 2026
  • Page Number: 178 to 180

1Junior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

2Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

3Junior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

4Junior Resident, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Dharamshala, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

5Assistant Director, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Dharamshala, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

6Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Nidhi Mahlawat, Junior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India, E-mail: nidhimehlawat@gmail.com, Contact : +917339778379

Online Published on 24 April, 2026.

Abstract

Bromisovalum (α-bromoisovalerylurea or BVU, also known as Bromisoval) is an uncommon cause of poisoning-related deaths in India. Once prescribed for its sedative effects, it carries a high risk of fatal overdose, whether accidental or intentional.

A 32-year-old chronic alcoholic man presented to the hospital complaining of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with the alleged history of intake of some poisonous substance. He died within 24 hours despite supportive measures.

Autopsy revealed acute intoxication signs like an edematous brain, congested and voluminous and pale lungs, on dissection of both the lungs, reddish colored fluid was coming out, and the stomach contained about 100 ml greenish-brown colored viscous material mixed with semi-digested food particles. The mucosa of the stomach was pale, and a few submucosal hemorrhages were present. Forensic toxicology confirmed bromisovalum in his system, alongside a blood alcohol concentration of 90.50 mg% ± 1.80%.

The fatal potential of bromisovalum and its significance were taken into consideration, as this case highlights unusual presentations. Regulation of its availability in India is necessary to stop similar incidents in the future.

Keywords

Acute Intoxication, Bromisovalum, Clinical Case Report, Forensic Toxicology