[Apropos of the 18th case of bismuth encephalopathy recognized in Belgium]

The authors present a typical case of bismuth encephalopathy detected in 1982. The patient was given oral insoluble bismuth salts for 20 years. Blood bismuth level was regularly measured (twice a year). No pathologic level was ever noted before she developed the intoxication. Up to now, only few reports are known in Belgium. Measures to prevent this encephalopathy are discussed.