Death from Naphthalene Poisoning Manifesting as Toxic Hepatitis: An Autopsy Case

Abstract

Naphthalene is a bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (C10H8). Although the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies naphthalene as a group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans), it is commonly used in mothballs in developing countries [1]. Because mothballs look like candy or sugar cubes, there have been cases of accidental ingestion in children [2,3]. Moreover, suicide through naphthalene ingestion is rare. Acute symptoms of naphthalene poisoning include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Naphthalene poisoning typically induces prolonged hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinuria [4-6]. In literature, case reports of death following naphthalene poisoning are uncommon. In this case report, we describe an exceptional case of death resulting from naphthalene poisoning without hemolytic anemia.