A Case of Necrosis of Fatty Tissue Due to Injected Xylene Poisoning

Abstract

A 37-years-old male, attempted to commit suicide, by injecting xylene into his arm. In a few hours, his arm swelled with pain. Cooling the wound and intravenous fluids controlled the symptoms for about two weeks. Slight urine methylhippuric acid elevation and liver dysfunction due to xylene poisoning were observed during this course. The slight remaining lesion was expected to disappear without treatment. However, two months after the xylene injection, the fatty tissue around the injection site necrosed, and debridement was necessary for saving his arm. Organic solutions, like xylene, have a high affinity for fatty tissue, and we believe that the fatty tissue of his left arm was degenerated by the injected and penetrated xylene. In this kind of case, careful follow up is needed for a long term.