Belgian Journal of Paediatrics
Familial chronic metallic mercury intoxication due to a broken sphygmomanometer, a case report
Vol. 25 No. 1 (2023), Case reports
Vol. 25 No. 1 (2023)

Familial chronic metallic mercury intoxication due to a broken sphygmomanometer, a case report

Case reports
Published 2023-04-26
Louise Callewaert
University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6901-5794
Laurine Steurbaut
Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
Luc Régal
UZ Brussel, department of Paediatrics, Brussels, Belgium
Ann Casteels
UZ Brussel, department of Pediatrics, Brussels, Belgium.
Kurt Anseeuw
ZNA Campus Stuivenberg, Emergency department, Antwerp, Belgium
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Keywords

Chronic mercury intoxication
metallic mercury
acrodynia
DMPS
case report

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How to Cite

Callewaert, L., Steurbaut, L., Régal, L., Casteels, A., & Anseeuw, K. (2023). Familial chronic metallic mercury intoxication due to a broken sphygmomanometer, a case report. Belgian Journal of Paediatrics, 25(1), 45–48. Retrieved from http://belgjpaediatrics.com/index.php/bjp/article/view/63
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Abstract

Background Chronic intoxication with metallic mercury is rare in children in industrialised countries and is usually accidental.

Case We report the case of a 10-year-old boy who presented with thigh pain, maculopapular rash, acral skin desquamation and hypertension (acrodynia) and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as insomnia and behavioural changes (erethism mercurialis). In addition, four other family members showed similar symptoms. A broken mercury sphygmomanometer was found in their house. Urinalysis revealed elevated mercury levels. They were treated with chelation therapy using DMPS.

Conclusion Knowledge of the disease is crucial for diagnosis. Prompt therapy start is necessary to avoid residual neurological damage.

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