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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
Insights
Congenital lead poisoning in newborns can occur due to maternal lead exposure during pregnancy. Early radiographic screening is crucial for identifying and treating this condition in asymptomatic infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Lead exposure during pregnancy poses a significant risk to fetal development.
- Maternal pica can be a route for lead exposure, leading to fetal lead poisoning.
- Congenital lead poisoning can manifest with specific radiographic findings at birth.
Observation:
- A full-term infant presented asymptomatic at birth with congenital lead poisoning.
- Radiographs revealed a dense cranial vault, lead lines, and delayed skeletal and dental development.
- These radiographic findings suggest subclinical lead exposure in the neonate.
Findings:
- Chelation therapy initiated at seven months led to normalized skeletal maturation.
- Delayed tooth eruption was observed, occurring at 15 months of age.
- Radiographic evidence of lead poisoning resolved after treatment.
Implications:
- Newborn infants exhibiting these radiographic findings warrant screening for congenital lead poisoning.
- Early detection and intervention are critical for mitigating long-term developmental impacts.
- Public health awareness regarding lead exposure risks during pregnancy is essential.
Abstract:
Because lead crosses the placenta throughout pregnancy, the fetus is at risk for lead poisoning. A full term, asymptomatic child was born with congenital lead poisoning secondary to maternal pica. Radiographic findings of a dense cranial vault, lead lines, and delayed skeletal and deciduous dental development were noted at birth. After chelation therapy, when the patient was seven months old, radiographs revealed normal skeletal maturation. Tooth eruption did not occur until 15 months of age. Newborn infants with these radiographic findings should be screened for subclinical, congenital lead poisoning.
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