Carbon monoxide poisoning: Role of brain diagnostic imaging [computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging]

This study was conducted on thirty patients diagnosed as acute carbon monoxide [CO] poisoning who were admitted to Alexandria Poison Center, Alexandria, Egypt. They represented 4.4% of the total admission [n=9196] to the center during the year 2000. Their carboxyhemoglobin percentage [COHb%] level ranged from 15-42% with a mean of 27.38 +/- 7.73%. This level was significantly increased with deterioration of the level of consciousness, while insignificant relation was found between COHb% level and various clinical presentations, blood gases and acid-base status. Computerized tomography [CT] brain scan was done to all patients and revealed the following: Norma CT scan in 70.0% of patients, 26.7% had brain edema and one patient [3.3%] had internal capsular infarction, which delineated by magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] as bilateral lesions in the internal capsule and cerebellar peduncles. The vast majority of patients [96.7%] recovered completely, only one patient developed permanent sequelae manifested by paraparesis, dysarthria, and incoordination of movement

Neuropsychiatric problems among bus drivers and their relation to exposure to vehicle exhaust

Bus driving is considered a hazardous occupation due to work stress. Morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular. gastro-intestinal and musculoskeletal disorders among bus drivers were investigated in many studies. In this study neuropsychiatric problems were investigated. Ninety bus drivers from East Delta Company [Mansoura branch] and a matched control group were studied. There was a significant higher prevalence of tingling, numbness and motor. sensory and mixed neuropathy among bus drivers than in controls. Scores of MHQ were significantly higher. Also, there was a decrease in performance of the Neurobehavioural Core Test Battery [NCTB] among bus derivers. Bus derivers had a lower mean value of Hb and oxy Hb, while reduced Hb, carboxy Hb. and blood lead level were significantly higher. The neuropsychiatric problems, MHQ scores and NCTB performance were significantly worse in drivers of badly maintained cars. MHQ scores and psychiatric performance correlated with the duration of work and blood lead levels and Hb derivatives. Causes, association and prevention were discussed