Hollywood Inspired Self Injection of Mercury- A Case Report

We present a unique case of deliberate self-injection of elemental mercury by a young male with the intention to become Mercury Man as he was inspired by the movie X-men. He presented with history of accidental trauma by a sharp object along with non-healing ulcer over left forearm since two months. On detailed psychiatric evaluation the details regarding his behavior were elicited. Systemic toxicity ruled out and X-rays were taken to know the extent of involvement. Staged excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue was carried out under X-ray guidance. Multiple silvery pellets in soft tissues were found and removed and split thickness skin graft was done at a later stage. Follow up X-rays and serum levels of mercury were normal and patient was followed up with regular psychiatric consultations. Most reports in literature, regarding mercury injection were suicidal and intended to annihilate one’s life rather than enhance it.