Question

Bluish discoloration of gastric mucosa seen in which poisoning?

• A. Mercury
• B. Cadmium
• C. Amytal sodium
• D. Arsenic

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In the field of forensic medicine, identifying characteristics of poisoning can be key in determining the substance involved. One such characteristic is the coloration observed in the gastric mucosa during autopsy. The bluish discoloration of the gastric mucosa is a specific indicator that can point to the type of poisoning.

Among the given options:

• Mercury poisoning does not typically cause bluish discoloration of the gastric mucosa. Instead, it is known for causing renal failure, neurological symptoms, and a metallic taste.
• Cadmium poisoning usually leads to significant respiratory problems and kidney damage but not bluish discoloration of the gastric mucosa.
• Arsenic poisoning presents with symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea (often referred to as "rice water"), and garlic odor of the breath, but not bluish discoloration.
• Amytal sodium, a barbiturate, is associated with bluish discoloration of the gastric mucosa upon ingestion. Barbiturates, when ingested in toxic doses, can cause such discoloration along with central nervous system depression.

Thus, the characteristic bluish discoloration of the gastric mucosa in cases of poisoning is specifically seen with:

Amytal sodium