Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
06:12
Inducing Acute Liver Injury in Rats via Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) Exposure Through an Orogastric Tube
Published on: April 28, 2020
Catatonic syndrome associated with lead intoxication: a case report
Mohammad Jafar Modabbernia1, Ali Reza Mirsafa, Amirhossein Modabbernia
1Department of Psychiatry, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. gmodaber@gums.ac.ir
Cases Journal
|November 18, 2009
Summary
This study highlights a rare case of catatonia linked to lead intoxication. Prompt treatment with Lorazepam showed significant improvement, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for this medication in such cases.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome with diverse etiologies.
- The association between lead intoxication and catatonia remains poorly understood.
- Lead exposure is a known neurotoxin with potential to affect various bodily systems.
Observation:
- A retired printing house worker presented with acute onset catatonia, including refusal to eat and mutism.
- Physical and mental examinations revealed no other disorders, but neuropsychological testing showed impairment.
- Peripheral blood smear revealed Dohle bodies, basophilic stippling, and toxic granulation, alongside a blood lead level of 12.8 µg/dL.
Findings:
- The patient experienced significant improvement in catatonic symptoms within 48 hours of Lorazepam administration.
- Blood lead levels and hematological findings suggest lead intoxication as the underlying cause.
- Neurotransmitter system alterations are hypothesized as the mechanism linking lead intoxication to catatonia.
Implications:
- This case suggests lead intoxication as a potential, albeit rare, cause of catatonia.
- Lorazepam may be an effective treatment for lead-induced catatonia by modulating neurotransmitter systems.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the neurobiological pathways involved in lead-related catatonia.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
01:26Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
01:29Hepatic Encephalopathy
DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
01:24Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...
01:28Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Nervous tissue is a vital component of the human body's communication system, enabling us to perceive and respond to stimuli. However, like all other tissues, it is vulnerable to disorders and diseases that can significantly impact our neurological functioning.
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
01:00Drug Toxicity: Overview
Drug toxicity quantifies the harm a compound causes to an organism, varying by dose and potentially impacting whole systems or specific organs like the liver. Toxic reactions may arise from venomous insect or spider bites, with effects ranging from mild symptoms to severe outcomes such as brain damage or death. Common forms of acute poisoning include ethanol intoxication and overdose of pain or fever medications, with substances like GHB and heroin being particularly lethal at doses close to...