LONG-TERM PULMONARY AND SYSTEMIC TOXICITY FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS MERCURY INJECTION

Long-term pulmonary and systemic toxicity following mercury intravenou s injection has rarely been assessed. We present the results of a deta iled investigation assessing pulmonary and systemic long-term toxic ef fects in a subject who had pulmonary and systemic mercury microembolis m diagnosed more than 11 pears previously. Radiographic examination sh owed the persistence of mercury microemboli in both lungs and elsewher e in the body. Lung function tests revealed a decreased diffusing capa city for carbon monoxide and PO2 probably indicative of microscopic in flammation of lung interstitium. Electroneuromyography showed signs of mild axonopathy in both legs. At semen analysis, a high proportion of motionless spermatozoa was present. Urinary excretion of mercury was high. Signs of interstitial lung impairment, peripheral axonopathy and asthenozoospermia in a subject who had mercury microembolism persisti ng for more than 11 years might be evidence of long-term mercury toxic ity.