[Lead poisoning by fishing sinker ingestion].
BACKGROUND
Lead colic is a rare cause of abdominal pain. The diagnosis of lead poisoning is most often mentioned in at risk populations (children, psychotic patients).


METHODS
We report a 21-year-old man who presented with colicky abdominal pain. Abdominal plain radiograph showed multiple intracolonic metallic bodies. Markedly elevated lead and zinc protoporphyrin serum levels confirmed the diagnosis of lead poisoning. The patient reported that he commonly chewed fishing lead sinker and may sometimes swallow them during the preparation of fishing rod. Clinical outcome was favourable with chelation therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Lead poisoning following fishing sinker ingestion is very uncommon. Diagnosis may be discussed in the presence of foreign metallic bodies on plain abdominal radiograph and confirmed by high serum level of lead. A prompt treatment with chelation therapy and digestive emptying is usually effective.
Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Dupuytren, 2, avenue Martin-Luther-King, 87042 Limoges, France. paul.carrier@chu-limoges.fr
P
P
Carrier
R
R
Legros
A
A
Le Sidaner
A
A
Morel
P
P
Harry
C
C
Moesch
D
D
Sautereau
K-H
KH
Ly
V
V
Loustaud-Ratti
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D015913:Chelation Therapy; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult