Necrosis of Tongue: A Sequela of Complications in Organophosphate Poisoning

Abstract

Organophosphate compounds are mainly used in the agriculture and domestic pesticides. The widespread availability of these pesticides results in the inadvertent usage leading to the main agent used in suicide attempts in the developing countries. The severity of the poisoning greatly depends on the type of exposure, quantity and the product. They can cause life threatening complications mainly by the respiratory depression leading to coma and death. Early identification and appropriate management enable to reduce the morbidity and mortality. Atropine, oximes, intravenous fluids are administered for the successful management. A detailed medline search of the associated complications, although rare, necrosis of tongue is reported in only one case associated with organophosphate poisoning. The etiological factors were not mentioned in the found literature. In this case report, we discuss the sequela of complications associated with the acute poisoning cases and the role of maxillofacial surgeons in the management.