Subacute axonal motor polyneuropathy due to lead poisoning in an oral opium addict; a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Lead poisoning usually occurs in occupational situations, however, there are sometimes non-occupational toxicities and opium-related lead poisoning has been reported recently. Neuropathy due to lead poisoning can also occur. Case Report: In this study, a 43 year old man with a history of oral opium use with the complaint of progressive muscle weakness was reported. Muscle forces in the upper and lower limbs were 0/5 and 1/5, respectively. Serum lead level was 88.8 μg/dl. Electrodiagnostic studies were indicative of subacute moderate to severe axonal motor polyneuropathy. Following the treatment, the muscle force was improved and lead level was decreased. Conclusion: Motor neuropathy due to lead poisoning is a rare but possible complication. Due to the increased incidence of opium related lead toxicity in Ardabil, Iran, we recommend to consider lead poisoning as one of the possible differential diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy to initiate early and proper treatment.

Keywords: Lead Toxicity,, Opium, Addiction, Neuropathy