AbstractBackgroundBromisovalum (a-bromoisovalerylurea or BVU, also known as Bromisoval) is an uncommon cause of poisoning-related deaths in India. Once prescribed for its sedative effects, it carries a high risk of fatal overdose, whether accidental or intentional.Case PresentationA 32-year-old chronic alcoholic man presented to the hospital complaining of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with the alleged history of intake of some poisonous substance. He died within 24 hours despite supportive measures.Autopsy FindingsAutopsy revealed acute intoxication signs like an edematous brain, congested and voluminous and pale lungs, on dissection of both the lungs, reddish colored fluid was coming out, and the stomach contained about 100 ml greenish-brown colored viscous material mixed with semi-digested food particles. The mucosa of the stomach was pale, and a few submucosal hemorrhages were present. Forensic toxicology confirmed bromisovalum in his system, alongside a blood alcohol concentration of 90.50 mg% ± 1.80%.ConclusionThe fatal potential of bromisovalum and its significance were taken into consideration, as this case highlights unusual presentations. Regulation of its availability in India is necessary to stop similar incidents in the future.
Kalia et al. (Wed,) studied this question.