[Diagnostic problems in case of environmental exposure to tetraethyl lead]

Przegl Lek. 2004;61(4):361-5.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

The aim of this study was the presentation of the chronic tetraethyl lead poisoning of the 4 person family in the place of settlement.

Case report: 15.5-years-old man was admitted to the regional Pediatric Ward because of changes of behavior, hallucinations, agitation. Nausea, vomiting, metallic taste and diarrhea were observed prior to the admission. In the case history, there were no data suggested of the toxic origin of the disorder . The CSF examination and CT of the brain were normal. Increased activity of CPK, ALT, AST, GTP, LDH in the blood were found. Paranoid syndrome was diagnosed by psychiatric evaluation. The patients' mother presented similar signs in almost the same time. The laboratory tests of the blood taken from the patients' father and older brother revealed the increase activity of the same enzymes (CPK, ALT, AST, LDH). All family was admitted to the Department of Clinical Toxicology in Kraków because of suspicion of the heavy metal poisoning. The toxicological laboratory test showed in all described patients the toxic serum lead concentration accordingly: 440 microg/l--older brother, 490 microg/l--father, 508 microg/l--mother and 635 microg/l--primary described patient. Because of the fact, that were no characteristic for lead poisoning changes in blood picture, the toxicological investigations were continued. As a result of these examinations presence of a diethyl lead in urine was confirmed. In the evaluation of the multiorgan damages connected with tetraethyl lead poisoning, we paid special attention on CSN dysfunctions. The USG and scintigraphy examinations revealed the liver damage. The different kinds of arrhythmias indicated on cardiovascular system damage. Based on clinical presentation and laboratory investigations the chronic tetraethyl lead poisoning was diagnosed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lead Poisoning, Nervous System, Adult / blood
  • Lead Poisoning, Nervous System, Adult / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Lead Poisoning, Nervous System, Adult / diagnosis*
  • Lead Poisoning, Nervous System, Adult / urine
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tetraethyl Lead / blood
  • Tetraethyl Lead / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Tetraethyl Lead / poisoning*
  • Tetraethyl Lead / urine
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Tetraethyl Lead