Lethal manganese-cadmium intoxication. A case report

A case of a lethal manganese-cadmium (Mn-Cd) intoxication is reported. The postmortem examination revealed a noticeable reddish-violet discolouration of the serous cutes of all body cavities, but there was no indication of any corrosive burns of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. An Mn concentration of 899 micro g/l blood and a Cd concentration of 238 micro g/l blood were found in the deceased woman. These concentrations are higher than normal levels by a factor of about 100. A subacute or chronic manganese-cadmium absorption must be assumed.