Carbofuran-induced delayed neuropathy

Background: Although carbamates have been widely used in the world for many years, carbamate-induced delayed neuropathy is rare. We report what appear s to be delayed neuropathy caused by poisoning with carbofuran, a cholinest erase-inhibiting carbamate, although the certainty of diagnosis is somewhat limited by the lack of a sural nerve biopsy and spinal fluid examination. Case Report: A 23-year-old man attempted suicide by ingesting 100 mL of car bofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate). After re covering from acute cholinergic toxicity, he had notable paresthesia in his lower limbs and difficulty walking. Electrophysiologic findings revealed s ensorimotor neuropathy. Recovery began at 1 week and continued for 4 months . A similar delayed neuropathy has been described with carbamate, 1-naphthy l N-methylcarbamate, and m-tolyl methylcarbamate, but not with carbofuran i nsecticides.