ALS and mercury intoxication: a relationship?
We report the case of an 81-year-old woman in whom clinical signs and features of electromyographic activity patterns were consistent with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Increased blood level and massive urinary excretion of mercury proved mercury intoxication. Despite a chelation treatment with Meso 2-3 dimercaptosuccininc acid (DMSA), she died after 17 months. The pathophysiology of sporadic ALS remains unclear. However, the role of environmental factors has been suggested. Among some environmental factors, exposure to heavy metals has been considered and ALS cases consecutive to occupational intoxication and accidental injection of mercury have been reported. Although no autopsy was performed, we discuss the role of mercury intoxication in the occurrence of ALS in our case, considering the results of experimental studies on the toxicity of mercury for motor neuron.
Praline
Julien
J
Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, CHRU, Tours, France. julien.praline@med.univ-tours.fr
Guennoc
Anne-Marie
AM
Limousin
Nadège
N
Hallak
Habib
H
de Toffol
Bertrand
B
Corcia
Philippe
P
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018450:Disease Progression; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008628:Mercury / Q000652:urine; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D004113:Succimer / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002614:Chelating Agents; D004113:Succimer; D008628:Mercury