Fatal Cyanide Poisoning via Coffee Ingestion: A Forensic Case Report and Diagnostic Challenges A Forensic Case report and Diagnostic Challenges
International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine,
Vol. 15 No. 03 (2025),
22 September 2025
,
Page 1-5
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijmtfm.v15i03.49982
Abstract
Background: Cyanide is a highly toxic compound that can cause rapid death by inhibiting cellular respiration at the mitochondrial level. Although uncommon, cyanide poisoning presents a significant challenge in forensic medicine due to its fast onset, diagnostic difficulties, and legal implications.
Case Presentation: We report the case of a 24-year-old male who was brought to a hospital with sudden shortness of breath and was declared dead upon arrival. External postmortem examination revealed livor mortis, generalized rigor mortis, cyanosis of the lips and extremities, and dilated conjunctival vessels. Internal examination showed vasodilation in multiple organs, a wrinkled capsule in the spleen, and pulmonary congestion. A rapid screening using a food safety test kit yielded a positive colorimetric result for cyanide in the urine, with an estimated concentration of 0.007–0.010 mg/dL. Biological samples were collected and submitted for confirmatory toxicological analysis. Postmortem toxicological testing confirmed the presence of cyanide in the brain and gastric contents. A rapid screening test indicated cyanide in urine, though this was not confirmed on subsequent laboratory analysis.
Conclusion: The findings support a diagnosis of acute oral cyanide poisoning. This case highlights the importance of timely forensic investigation, proper sample handling, and the utility of rapid screening tools in suspected poisoning deaths. Confirmatory laboratory analysis remains essential for accurate diagnosis and legal interpretation.
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