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Arsenic intoxication presenting with macrocytosis and peripheral neuropathy, without anemia
R Heaven1, M Duncan, S J Vukelja
1Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6200.
Abstract:
A case of arsenic intoxication associated with macrocytosis and neuropathy, without anemia, is presented. Evaluation of a 68-year-old man with a long history of peripheral neuropathy and persistent macrocytosis revealed exposure to an insecticide. Analysis of urine and hair revealed elevated levels of arsenic. A short course of d-penicillamine failed to promote urinary excretion of arsenic. Removal of the insecticide resulted in resolution of macrocytosis and slight improvement of neuropathy. This case emphasizes that arsenic intoxication should be considered in patients with macrocytosis with peripheral neuropathy, even in the absence of anemia.