Homicidal Kala Pathar/Paraphenylene Diamine Poisoning

Abstract

Kala pathar commonly used as Hair dye and in Henna, poisoning is an uncommon form of poisoning in the west, however, in some parts of the world such asEast Africa and Indian Sub-continent it is not uncommon. The main component of kala pathar causing toxicity is Paraphenylenedi amine (PPD). This compound has been found to cause angioneurotic edema, rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. We present a case of kala pathar poisoning who presented with respiratory distress due to laryngeal edema.This case report highlights the use ofKal a pathar in Homicidal acts.