Suicidal sodium azide intoxication: An analytical challenge based on a rare case

Forensic Science International : Synergy
Isabelle Le Blanc-LouvryBernard Proust

Abstract

Intentional absorption of sodium azide is exceptional but remains extremely life-threatening because death rapidly occurs when significant doses are absorbed, either due to the direct effect of sodium azide or an indirect effect due to nitric oxide, cyanide ions or hydrazoic acid production from sodium azide. The body of a laboratory assistant, was discovered by his colleagues in the laboratory, seated on a chair located near a digital computer displaying information about sodium azide. Moreover, a half empty 99% sodium azide flask was found near the corpse. The laboratory staff confirmed that the young man was still alive 5h prior to discovery. Postmortem examination did not show any cutaneous signs of injury due to a defensive struggle. Bilateral ungual cyanosis was observed as well as a major cerebral edema and visceral congestion on autopsy. The elevated sodium azide concentration found in the gastric sample and the amount of gastric content allowed to conclude that sodium azide intake was more than 6g which was above the lethal dose, i.e. approximately 1g. Surprisingly, no sodium azide was found either in blood and serum, or in hepatic and renal tissue samplings. However, major concentrations were observed in the gastric c...Continue Reading

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Citations

Oct 23, 2020·Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology·Maaike A C BruinAlwin D R Huitema
Jun 16, 2021·Clinical Toxicology : the Official Journal of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists·John TatGerry R Boss

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