Arch Intern Med
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Massive cyanide poisoning occurred in a 21-year-old man who had ingested 600 mg of potassium cyanide. The clinical course was marked by acute pulmonary edema and lactic acidosis. Because the poison was unidentified until nine hours after ingestion, the patient received only supported treatment which included diuresis, oxygen, bicarbonate, and assisted ventilation. ⋯ A simple chemical test which can be performed on gastric aspirate is available. Hydroxocobalamin may be used as a nontoxic specific antidote. Nonspecific supportive therapy is of great importance.