Permanent paralysis at sites of dermal exposure to chlorpyrifos

Poisoning with organophosphate pesticides can cause sensory and motor neuropathy with permanent paralysis. Paralysis at the site of dermal exposure has not been reported.

A 61-year-old carpenter sprayed a nest of termites with an insecticide containing chlorpyrifos without protective equipment and with direct contact of pesticide solution to hands, lower arms, feet, and lower legs, as well as inhalation of vapors from spraying. After 30 min he became ill with nausea, abdominal cramping, arm and leg weakness, bilateral shoulder pain, chest pain, and numbness in the left hand and arm. At a hospital, he was treated with atropine 1 mg IV and pralidoxime Cl 2 g IV There was 0/5 strength in the hands and wrists and 3/5 elsewhere, a left peritoneal palsy, and urinary retention. He was transferred to a tertiary care hospital where paralysis persisted. Electromyogram studies documented widespread peripheral neuropathy. With continued progression of neuropathy, pralidoxime was repeated on the third day. By day 12, motor strength improved except for the hands and left lower leg. Right interosseous muscle strength was 1/5 and left was 0/5. Right-hand grip was 2/5, and left-hand grip was 0/5. He was transferred to a rehabilitation center. He never regained use of his hands and was disabled from employment as a carpenter. There was a disturbed gait, with inability to clear his left foot with walking. Urinary retention persisted and required self-catherization.

Dermal exposure of the hands and feet to chlorpyrifos was associated with atrophy and permanent paralysis of exposed areas. The importance of protective equipment is emphasized.