[Severe Lead Polyneuropathy. Clinical Course and Prognosis--case Report]

The case of a 46 years old bricklayer is described, who developed a severe lead-polyneuropathy. The cause of the neurological disease was the dermal application of leadacetate -solutions because of chronic eczema of the hands over several years. There was a delayed manifestation of the peripheral neuropathy. Besides the typical pareses of the N. radialis also a slowing of nerve conduction velocities of sensible fibers were objectified by neurophysiological measurements. After decorporation -treatment with CaNa2EDTA there was a clear improvement ten months later. The anemia caused by lead had recovered completely. The aspects and course of the disease are discussed regarding results in literature. It is concluded, that during a severe lead polyneuropathy besides motor also sensory nerve fibers can be involved.