Pica-associated cerebral edema in an adult.
Acute cerebral edema due to lead intoxication is an unusual presentation in an adult. Here we describe an adult with pica presenting with severe encephalopathy due to extremely high lead levels (>200 microg/dl) with marked cerebral edema and mild hyperammonemia. Rapid initiation of chelation therapy led to a reduction in serum lead and ammonia levels and a resolution of the cerebral edema and encephalopathy, suggesting a close relationship between lead toxicity and hepatic dysfunction.
Maslinski
Pantcho G
PG
Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
Loeb
Jeffrey A
JA
D001929:Brain Edema / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015913:Chelation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000150:complications*; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010842:Pica / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors