Abstract

AVELLA-GARCIA, Claudia Bibiana  and  VIDES SANJUAN, Manuel Rafael. Neuropsychiatric Findings in a Woman Fifteen Years after Elemental Mercury Poisoning. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2009, vol.38, n.3, pp.587-596. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: The use of mercury can lead to exposure especially in the work environment o through contaminated water sources. The fact that elemental mercury poisoning can cause neuropsychiatric symptoms has been documented. However, the possible long-term sequelaeare less well-known. Objective: To report the case of an adult woman who suffered mercury poisoning fifteen years ago, with a description of the symptomatology that she has presented in this time period as well as the present day neuropsychiatric findings. Method: Case report Results: The case of a 44 year-old woman with a history of elemental mercury poisoning fifteen years ago is reported. Among the findings, compromise of thought, mood, perception, memory, attention, nomination and abstraction processes was documented. This is compatible with both cortical and subcortical involvement. In addition, tremor and paresis of the extremities was found. There were no pathological changes in the magnetic resonance image of the brain and current mercury intoxication was ruled out. Discussion: The majority of findings in this patient are compatible with what has been described previously in medical literature. In this case, cognitive compromise persists chronically after exposure has ceased. This contrasts with what has been reported in previous articles. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of mercury poisoning are of great importance and may be related to a reduction in the neuropsychiatric sequelae of these patients. In addition, it is necessary to implement and design occupational health and environmental protection programmes destined to prevent mercury poisoning.

Keywords : Mercury; poisoning; neuropsychological tests.

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