Suicide by Ingestion of Hydrochloric Acid: A Case Report

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a common reagent for neutralization of alkaline materials, in the synthesis of dyes and chemicals, and in metal refining. Ingestion of hydrochloric acid causes lesions, mainly in the esophagus and stomach. The severity of these injuries will vary with the concentration of the acid. Ingestion of concentrated HCl can lead to perforation of the bowel and be fatal. Most cases involve accidental ingestion by children or psychiatric patients, but it is used for suicide in adults. We describe a case of suicide by ingestion of about 250 mL of 33%-35% hydrochloric acid. The patient died a few hours after ingestion, and before health professionals could implement appropriate surgical therapy. Anatomically and pathologically, this case was characterized by severe esophageal damage and gastric perforation.