Occupational exposure to methyl isobutyl ketone causes lasting impairment in working memory.
The authors describe serial evaluations of a 44-year-old man who became cognitively impaired during a 6-year period of repeated exposure to high levels of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). Neuropsychological tests administered six times over 10 years demonstrated a stable pattern of cognitive impairment. Dynamic imaging studies suggested persistent CNS dysfunction. The authors conclude that chronic, high-level, occupational MIBK exposure can cause a persistent cognitive syndrome best explained by impaired working memory.
Grober
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Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461-1602, USA.
Schaumburg
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HH
D000328:Adult; D000647:Amnesia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008742:Methyl n-Butyl Ketone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*
D008742:Methyl n-Butyl Ketone; C005458:methyl isobutyl ketone