An autopsy case of corrosive gastritis caused by calcium polysulfide colloidpreparation

摘要

Mutouhapu (610 hap) was a calcium polysulfide colloid preparation, which was sold as abath salt in Japan. Herein, we report on the autopsy of a suicide case as a result oftaking 610 hap orally and present histopathological findings with a focus on corrosivechanges observed in upper gastrointestinal tract. The subject was a 60-year-old man whowas discovered dead 200–300 m from his home. The site smelled of sulfur. Sixty parts permillion hydrogen sulfide was detected in the oral cavity of the deceased. He hadschizophrenia since junior high school. At autopsy, the oral and nasal cavities had arotten-egg smell. Adipose tissues had green coloring. There was thickening and sclerosisof the gastric wall, and a green to pale yellow pseudomembrane-like substance was observedadhering to the gastric mucosa. Gastric content was 400 ml of green to pale yellow sludge.The distal portion of the stomach was highly contracted. Qualitative analysis for hydrogensulfide was positive. Histological changes in the digestive tract were particularlynotable in the stomach. Degeneration and necrosis of the mucosa and submucosa,degeneration of the submucosal fat, and dissection-like changes in the blood vessels ofthe submucosa were discovered. Basophilic lime granules were found on the mucosal surface.There were hypercontracture changes in the proper muscle layer of the pyloric region. Thecause of death was hydrogen sulfide poisoning with associated corrosive gastritis.