Report of 2 cases of atypical occupational chronic mercury poisoning / 中国职业医学

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of atypical occupational chronic mercury poisoning cases and explore ways to avoid misdiagnosis. METHODS: The clinical data of 2 atypical occupational chronic mercury poisoning cases were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The two cases were in the same instrument factory. They were engaged in the inspection and filling of thermometers, with a long history of occupational mercury exposure. The main clinical manifestations were the nervous system damage. In the two cases,one case showed severe pain in limbs and joints accompanied with neurasthenia syndrome, oral-gingivitis and increased urine mercury; while the other one showed Parkinson's syndrome-like involuntary tremor whenever at rest or activity accompanied with neurasthenic syndrome and increased urine mercury,without oral-gingivitis. The physical examination showed notable finger tremor,tongue tremor,and eyelid tremor,and one case had coarse tremor of upper limb. Both cases were diagnosed as occupational chronic mercury poisoning. CONCLUSION: The nervous system is the most common site of involvement of patients with occupational chronic mercury poisoning,whose clinical manifestations are diverse. Clinicians should raise awareness of mercury poisoning,consult medical history in detail and reduce misdiagnosis.