Acetone Ingestion Resulting in Cardiac Arrest and Death

Abstract

Acetone is a chemical found naturally in the environment, and acetone poisoning can occur through contact with household products that contain acetone, including nail polish removers, paint removers, some polishes, as well as certain detergents and cleaners. Acetone toxicity affects almost all body systems, including the nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. The incidence of life-threatening medical problems from acetone exposure is very rare. However, in this report, we present a case of acetone toxicity resulting in death. Our patient presented with cardiopulmonary arrest, hypotension, tachycardia, hyperglycemia, acute kidney injury (AKI), thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, and extensive esophageal and gastric erosion with associated upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Keywords: acetone; cardiac arrest; death; nail polish cleaner ingestion; respiratory arrest.