ABSTRACT
The authors describe the clinical features of the chronic perchloroethylene poisoning discussing their own 7 cases (2 women and 5 men). The 2 women worked as dry-cleaner, the 5 men performed degreasing of metal objects. The mean age of the patients was 46 (36-55), the exposure time 9.1 (0.5-30) years. In 3 cases the level of the exposure exceeded the maximum allowable concentration verified by the measurement of the perchloroethylene in the air of the workplace. One patient suffering from a serious cranial nerve lesion was not informed on the toxic exposure, so worked without any protective devices. 3 patients had an isolated lesion of the nervous system, 4 one an isolated hepatic damage. The authors draw attention to importance of the prevention.
Subject(s)
Occupational Diseases/chemically induced , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Solvents/poisoning , Tetrachloroethylene/poisoning , Adult , Brain/drug effects , Chronic Disease , Female , Humans , Hungary , Liver Cirrhosis/chemically induced , Male , Middle Aged , Poisoning/diagnosis , Polyneuropathies/chemically inducedABSTRACT
The authors describe the case history of an acute appendicitis of a patient suffering from increased lead resorption. The operation resulted in complete healing. They draw the attention to the possibility of an acute abdominal disease also in case of abdominal complaints of patients suffering from increased lead resorption. Careful observation of the patient in collaboration with a surgeon is necessary to avoid a dangerous diagnostic error.
Subject(s)
Abdomen, Acute/etiology , Appendicitis/complications , Appendicitis/diagnosis , Lead Poisoning/complications , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Lead Poisoning/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Diseases/complicationsABSTRACT
Authors describe two cases of lead poisoning of unusual origin. A 43 year old male patient bought some waste metal in order to build a fence around his new house for saving money. He removed the old corroded coat of paint using a grinder without any protection. Consequently, he had got grave lead intoxication with colic and anemia. Another 34 year old unemployed male person moulded leaded chessmen in his own kitchen. This activity resulted in serious intoxication of the patient and highly increased lead absorption of the family members. In addition to the exploration of professional exposure the authors stress also the significance of the clearing up of occasional lead-related hobbies and home activities in case of lead intoxication of unknown origin.
Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure , Lead Poisoning/etiology , Adult , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Authors describe the case-history of a 17 year old male who accidentally ingested a fishing weight that was retained in the stomach and caused a serious lead poisoning. It is worth mentioning that beside the wellknown symptoms and signs of lead intoxication also the liver was seriously affected. The histologically verified toxic lesion of the liver presumably can be attributed to the large quantities of lead absorbed within a short period. This also explains the appearance of symptoms and signs indicating to encephalopathy beside the young age of the patient. The foreign body could not be removed by means of gastroscopy, therefore a gastrotomy was carried out followed by chelating treatment with i.v. CaNa2EDTA that resulted in complete clinical and laboratory recovery. The case history draws the attention to the importance of the quick removal of the retained lead containing objects out of the gastrointestinal tract.