Quadriparesis due to Lead Poisoning Nine Years After a Gunshot Wound with Retained Bullet Fragments: A Case Report

Abstract Lead toxicity in adults is characterized by nonspecific symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, and weight loss. We present a case of severe lead toxicity that developed sub-acutely causing quadriparesis nine years after a gun shot wound with retained bullet fragments....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PM & R 2016
Main Authors: Nally, Emma, MD, Jelinek, James, MD, FACR, Bunning, Robert D., MD, FACP, FACR
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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Summary:Abstract Lead toxicity in adults is characterized by nonspecific symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, and weight loss. We present a case of severe lead toxicity that developed sub-acutely causing quadriparesis nine years after a gun shot wound with retained bullet fragments. The onset of symptoms may have been related to the development of a pseudocyst. The long interval between the gunshot wound and the onset of symptoms contributed to a delay in suspecting that the retained bullet was a source of lead toxicity. The patient’s symptoms gradually improved after chelation therapy, bullet fragment removal, and an extended program of acute inpatient rehabilitation.
ISSN:1934-1482
DOI:10.1016/j.pmrj.2016.09.012