Arsenic overdose

Widening of the QRS complex duration to greater than 100 milliseconds is typical of tricyclic antidepressant and quinidine overdoses (Figure 59-1). The QTC interval may be prolonged to more than 440 milliseconds in many poisonings, including quinidine, tricyclic antidepressants, several newer antidepressants and antipsychotics, lithium, and arsenic (see also http //www.torsades.org/). Variable atrioventricular (AV) block and a variety of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias are common... 

Several toxic metals, including arsenic, iron, lead, and mercury, are discussed in Chapters 30 and 35. Their measurement in urine, blood, and hair (in some cases) is valuable to help diagnose acute or chronic metal poisoning. Specific therapy for these toxins is listed in Table 34-1. Because the assessment of acute iron overdose requires emergency laboratory support, it is discussed in this chapter. 

Hall A, Robertson W (1990) Arsenic and other heavy metals. In Haddad L, Winchester J (eds) Clinical management of poisoning and drug overdose. Saunders, Philadelphia,... 

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