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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2008; 06(01): 069-071
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557420
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Unusual features in a case of arsenic poisoning

Sanjeev Jha
a   Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
,
Vikas Agarwal
b   Department of Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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Publication History

05 October 2006

16 September 2007

Publication Date:
30 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Arsenic poisoning has multiple causes including exposure to pesticides, rodenticides, paints, pigments, alloys and consumption of water contaminated with arsenic. In India, traditional home made, herbal remedies are widely consumed to enhance potency and vitality, and they are often contaminated with toxic ingredients, including arsenic. We report a case of chronic arsenic poisoning, due to prolonged consumption of such a homemade vitaliser that contained arsenic as chief ingredient. Our patient presented with polyneuropathy and cutaneous lesions that recovered significantly with dimercaprol therapy, despite delayed diagnosis.

Keywords

Arsenic - polyneuropathy - home made-vitaliser - Mees' line - quadriparesis