Peripheral Neuropathy after Inhalation of Mercury

수은 증기 흡입에 의한 말초신경염 1례

Acute mercury inhalation poisoning is a rare cause of acute peripheral neuropathy. A 44-year-old female inhaled the fume from heating mercury to treat her palmar dermatitis. For 4 days, this procedure was done for 2-3 minutes after each meal. She subsequently complained flu like symptoms, such as headache, toothache, myalgia and arthralgia. She was admitted for 9 days and then symptoms disappeared. About 3 weeks after exposure, both knee pain developed and then she could not walk. To treat mercury intoxication, she was referred to our hospital. At that time, initial laboratory data were within normal limits, but blood and urinary mercury level were 5.6 11$\mu$g/dl, 132.8 $\mu$g/L. After treatment with D-penicillamine for 7 days, blood and urinary mercury level were 3.9 1$\mu$g/dl, 177.3 $\mu$g/L. During the following 1 month, both leg symptoms remained. Nerve conduction studies were performed, both leg sensory nerve amplitude decreased. These findings were suggestive of peripheral polyneuropathy.