Korean J Leg Med.  2000 May;24(1):68-74.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Unusual Circumstance: Four Cases Report

• Seo JS

Abstract

Carbon monoxide which is an odorless, colorless, non-irritating gas causes asphyxia by blocking the hemoglobin of the RBC from carrying oxygen to the tissues and from returning carbon dioxide to the lungs. The clinical symptoms of CO poisoning depend on the blood CO saturation level and in a healthy middle-aged individual a blood CO saturation greater than 50% is considered fatal. In forensic science, the investigation of the scene in cases of CO poisoning is imperative to determine the manner of death or the source of CO production, while postmortem diagnosis of CO poisoning is not difficult. The author reported four cases of CO poisoning in the unusual or atypical circumstances, which were not recognized in the scene.

Keyword

Carbon monoxide poisoning; Unusual or atypical circumstances

MeSH Terms

Asphyxia
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning*
Carbon Monoxide*
Carbon*
Diagnosis
Forensic Sciences
Lung
Oxygen
Poisoning
Carbon
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Monoxide
Oxygen