Tissue distribution of DDVP after fatal ingestion

Tissue distribution of dichlorvos (DDVP) was determined in a case of fatal ingestion using a rapid and simple gas chromatographic (GC) assay. Remarkable autopsy findings were congestion of the lung and kidneys and bleeding ulcer extending from the dorsum of the tongue to the upper pharynx. The serum cholinesterase activity was 2 IU/l, however, miosis was not observed. In the stomach, 250 ml of volatile fluid was found. Tissue distribution of DDVP was determined using a newly developed simple and rapid GC method. DDVP was found in the spleen and heart at higher concentrations (3340 and 815 mu g/g, respectively), and also detected in the urine at the lowest level (4.5 mu g/ml). The DDVP concentrations in blood, brain, lung, kidney and liver were 29, 9.7, 81, 80 and 20 mu g/ml or g, respectively.