Neuropsychic manifestation of eight cases of thallium poisoning
- VernacularTitle:铊中毒八例的神经精神表现
- Author:
Hongyi WANG
;
Hanfan LI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Thallium;
Poisoning;
Neurologic manifestations
- From:
Chinese Journal of Neurology
2005;0(07):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To summarize the neuropsychic manifestations of thallium poisoning to attract attention of neuropsychiatrists. Methods Eight cases of thallium poisoning were reported. The manifestations of thallium poisoning and the relative literatures were reviewed. We discussed the relationship between mechanism of thallium poisoning and nervous system,neuropsychic manifestation and pathology of thallium poisoning. Results Three of 8 cases were acute and severe,presenting bellyache,nausea,vomit, fantod,delirium,coma,convulsion,respiratory failure,low blood pressure and tachycardia. They all died in a short period. The other 5 cases were subacute or chronic. Most of them manifested the impairment of central nervous system,peripheral nerve and optic nerve. Some of them had alopecia.Six of 8 cases were misdiagnosed as other neurological diseases. Two were suspicious of thallium poisoning,but failed to be diagnosed for the time being. The 5 survivors of 8 cases obviously restored after heteropathy. Few cases had neurologic sequelae. Conclusions For lacking of contact history, it is difficult to diagnose thallium poisoning caused by malicious contamination or accidental poisoning. Attention should be paid to those patients with indefinite damage of peripheral and central nervous system. When alopecia appears,thallium poisoning must be suspicious of. For the suspected cases,it is necessary to measure the thallium level in blood and urine in order to verify the diagnosis.
