In poisoning by potassic bichromate, there may be much variety in the symptoms, the more usual being those common to all irritant poisons, i.e., vomiting, diarrhœa, and collapse, with cramps in the limbs and excessive thirst; and the rarer affecting more especially the nervous system, such as narcosis, paralysis of the lower limbs, and dilatation of the pupils; occasionally there is slight jaundice.
In a case recorded by Dr. Macniven,[965] a man took a lump of bichromate of potash, estimated to be over 2 drachms (7·7 grms.). The symptoms commenced in fifteen minutes, and consisted of lightness in the head, and a sensation of great heat in the body, which was followed by a cold sweat; in twenty minutes he vomited; he then suffered from great pain in the stomach, giddiness, specks before the eyes, a devouring thirst, and there was loss of power over the legs. These symptoms, again, were followed by severe rigors and great coldness of the extremities. On the patient’s admission to hospital, two hours after taking the poison, it was noted that the pupils were dilated, the face pale and cold, and the pulse feeble. He complained of intense epigastric pain, and a feeling of depression; there was some stupor; the stomach was emptied by emetics and by the stomach-pump, and the patient treated with tepid emollient drinks, whilst subcutaneous doses of sulphuric ether were administered. He made a good recovery.
[965] “On a Case of Poisoning with Bichromate of Potash,” by Ed. O. Macniven, M.B., Lancet, Sept. 22, 1883.
In a case recorded by Mr. Wilson,[966] a man, aged 64, was found dead in his bed twelve hours after he had gone to rest. During the night he was heard to snore loudly; there were no signs of vomiting or purging, and bichromate of potash was found in the stomach.[967]
[966] Med. Gazette, vol. 33, 734.
[967] See also cases recorded by Dr. M’Lachlan, Glasgow Med. Journ., July 1881; Dr. M’Crorie, ibid., May 1881; Dr. R. A. Warwick, Lancet, Jan. 31, 1880; and Dr. Dunbar Walker, ibid., Sept. 27, 1879—a summary of all of which may be found in Dr. Macniven’s paper, loc. cit.