Chronic inorganic mercury induced peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract

We report the clinical features, electrophysiological studies, and morphometric analysis of sural nerve pathology in a patient with polyneuropathy due to inorganic mercury intoxication. He developed slowly progressive generalized paralysis of all limbs after 3 months ingestion of herb drugs which contained mercuric sulfate. Electrophysiologic studies revealed axonal polyneuropathy involving both motor and sensory fibers. Sural nerve biopsy demonstrated axonal degeneration with demyelination and a predominant loss of large myelinated fibers. His muscle strength showed only mild improvement after 2 years' follow-up. We concluded that inorganic mercury exposure may induce severe axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy in humans and that neurological deficits may persist in severe cases.

• Authors: C C Chu, C C Huang, S J Ryu, T N Wu
• Journal: Acta neurologica Scandinavica (Acta Neurol Scand) Vol. 98 Issue 6 Pg. 461-5 (Dec 1998) ISSN: 0001-6314 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 9875628 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• Mercury

Topics

• Biopsy
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (adverse effects)
• Hair (chemistry)
• Humans
• Male
• Mercury (analysis, blood, urine)
• Mercury Poisoning (complications, pathology)
• Microscopy, Electron
• Middle Aged
• Neural Conduction
• Peripheral Nervous System Diseases (complications, pathology)
• Sural Nerve (pathology)