Polyneuropathy due to glue exposure: case report and 16-year follow-up

Polyneuropathy resulting from industrial exposure to solvent n-hexane is widely recognized and reported in the medical literature. We report a case followed for 16 years with a series of electromyographic and nerve conduction studies. A 63-year-old man was exposed to glue fumes in a cabinet-making factory. This exposure resulted in polyneuropathy affecting the upper and lower extremities with more severe involvement of the legs. Electrodiagnostic examination revealed mixed-type, predominantly motor polyneuropathy. Intensive medical treatment and physical rehabilitation failed to retard the progression of the disease and the patient never fully recovered. He was fitted with short leg orthoses with Klenzak joints, adjustable springs, and stirrups attached to orthopedic shoes. Only with the help of the braces could he ambulate and stay functionally independent. There was good correlation between electromyographic and nerve conduction findings and the clinical picture.