Severe multiorgan toxicity following low-dose copper sulfate poisoning in a patient with Psoriasis vulgaris on methotrexate: a case report

Authors

  • Prince Rueban Manivannan Institute of Medical Gastroenterology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Vishaalpalaniswamy Ramaswamy Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Sakthikumar Soundarrajan Department of Medicine, Dharmapuri Medical College, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263135

Keywords:

Copper sulfate poisoning, Psoriasis vulgaris, Intravascular hemolysis, Multi organ failure

Abstract

Acute copper sulfate poisoning usually causes severe toxicity only after large ingestions. We report a man in his early 50s with psoriasis vulgaris receiving methotrexate who developed severe intravascular hemolysis, methemoglobinemia, acute hepatotoxicity, and acute kidney injury after ingesting only 1 g of copper sulfate. Serial peripheral blood smears, biochemical parameters, and clinical progression confirmed delayed multi-organ toxicity. He recovered following aggressive supportive care, forced alkaline diuresis, and withdrawal of methotrexate, without requiring dialysis. This case suggests that psoriasis-associated copper dysregulation and methotrexate-induced oxidative stress may lower the threshold for severe copper sulfate toxicity.

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Published

2026-08-29

How to Cite

Manivannan, P. R., Ramaswamy, V., & Soundarrajan, S. (2026). Severe multiorgan toxicity following low-dose copper sulfate poisoning in a patient with Psoriasis vulgaris on methotrexate: a case report. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 14(9), 4101–4104. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263135

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Section

Case Reports