Long-term effects of mercury intoxication in the
peripheral nervous systemFemale, 63 years old, 11 years of progressive distal paresthesia, paresis and atrophy of the limbs. The electrophysiological examination showed severe axonal polyneuropathy involving both motor and sensory fibers. There was evidence of dense and minute images in the hands and elbows in the radiological image (Figure). The patients had a history of previous surgery with the use of a mercury column to monitor the arterial pressure. Her serum levels of mercury (12 years after the procedure) were 130 mcg per liter (reference 0-10) and the urinary levels were 765 mcg per liter (reference 0-10). Accidents like this have been reported before, but only for acute intoxication1.
