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Lead encephalopathy secondary to petrol inhalation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Maria Morgan ,
John Owens  and
Prega Pillay
John Owens
Affiliation:
St Davnet's Hospital, Monaghan, Ireland.
Prega Pillay
Affiliation:
Consultant Physician, Monaghan General Hospital, Ireland.
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Abstract

Lead encephalopathy is a relatively rare medical condition. It can present with multiple seizures, delirium, blindness, aphasia and dementia. Usually it is due to environmental exposure. This paper describes a case of delayed diagnosis of lead encephalopathy secondary to petrol sniffing which responded to chelating agents therapy. A high index of suspicion must be maintained to diagnose this treatable cause of encephalopathy.

Keywords

Solvent abuseLead encephalopathyDeliriumPetrol sniffing
Type
Case Reports
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 16 , Issue 4 , December 1999 , pp. 149 - 150
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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