[A "historical" case of lead poisoning via drinking water: diagnostic and therapeutic issues].
BACKGROUND
It is likely that lead poisoning via drinking water is often overlooked because of its supposed rarity and nonspecific early symptoms, which result in delayed management.


METHODS
One case of severe lead poisoning via drinking water is reported. The diagnosis was long missed and a particularly long chelating treatment was required. The clinical features included lead colic, a Burton's lead line, anemia, polyneuritis and arterial hypertension. Eighteen courses of calcium EDTA were required to obtain 'biological recovery'. The poisoning was linked to a very long water supply lead pipe and potomania secondary to alcohol withdrawal.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report illustrates how difficult the early recognition of lead poisoning can be, and underlines the need to inquire about a toxic aetiology, particularly via the environment, of otherwise unexplained pathological conditions.
Testud
F
F
Unité de toxicovigilance, centre antipoison, hôpital Edouard-Herriot, place d'Arsonval, 69437 Lyon, France.
Girtanner-Brunel
L
L
Péaud
P Y
PY
Serpollet
G
G
Duchen
C
C
D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011164:Porphyrias / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical; D014881:Water Supply
D002614:Chelating Agents; D007854:Lead; D004492:Edetic Acid