[Possibilities and limitations of rapid radiologic detection of selected chemicals in acute poisoning of unknown origin].

Knowledge of the radiopacity of bromine-containing hypnotics and of halogenated hydrocarbons has led to numerous recommendations and speculations. Supported by own investigations the sensible application of a rapid radiological determination in the practice of clinical toxicology is discussed. This should always be carried out, if solvent residues, gastric contents or gastric lavage fluid are available, a ingestion is suspected, and the result of chemical analysis is not promptly obtainable. However, a hint at the group of halogenated hydrocarbons is only possible, if additional information about miscibility with water is accessible. Revealing the presence of radiopaque material in tablet or liquid form by radiologic studies of the abdomen may be very helpful for the rapid evaluation of symptomatology and first therapeutic consequences, but it does not allow any chemical identification of the poison.