The authors describe an extremely rare case of intravenous administration of metallic mercury with suicidal intention. The patient was free from subjective complaints and physical examination did not reveal any pathological changes. Diffusely scattered numerous small shadows on the X-ray of the lungs suggested the presence of mercury in the lungs. Laboratory investigations revealed proteinuria and suggested the transient renal of the tubular disorder. Intravenous chelate treatment with DMPS had an excellent effect. The patient is after one year free from signs of mercury intoxication.

        Key words: mercury intoxication, chelates, DMPS