[Humeral head necrosis during bismuth encephalopathy (author's transl)]

A further case of humeral head necrosis occurring in the course of a bismuth encephalopathy is reported. There was no apparent direct effect due to the bismuth as the lesion was quite different from those observed during typical bismuth osteopathy. The region affected by the bone lesion, its appearance, and the progressive anatomical and clinical changes noted are arguments in favour of a traumatic origin. The necrosis could be related to myoclonic movements which agitate the patients (usually elderly women) who are confined to bed because of the encephalopathy.