Ab. Thomsen et al., CHRONIC NEUROPATHIC SYMPTOMS AFTER EXPOSURE TO MUSTARD GAS - A LONG-TERM INVESTIGATION, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 39(2), 1998, pp. 187-190
Background: Long-term investigations of persons exposed to mustard gas
are few and have primarily focused on its carcinogenic properties. To
our knowledge neuropathic pain has never been described. Objective: W
e investigated late symptoms in the skin after exposure to sulfur must
ard. Methods: Five patients exposed to mustard gas during battlefield
operations in the Middle East and five fishermen accidentally exposed
to sulfur mustard by pulling shells leaking the chemical agent aboard
their fishing vessels participated in this study. Clinical examination
of the patients from the Middle East and telephone interviews with th
e fishermen were performed. Results: All patients suffered from neurop
athic pain or other deafferentation symptoms. Conclusion: Persistent d
amage to the afferent nerve system resulting in chronic neuropathic sy
mptoms is probably a frequent complication in persons exposed to musta
rd gas.