Failure to confirm neurotoxic impairment using cerebral magnetic resonanceimaging on solvent-exposed workers

Objectives The study aimed at assessing signs of nervous system impairment by cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) among workers with a history o f long-term exposure to mixtures of organic solvents. Methods Thirty-six workers (mean age 44.1 years) with at least 10 (mean 23. 9) years of occupational exposure to solvents and pair-matched referents wi th no former solvent exposure went through a blind, random-order investigat ion of cerebral MRI, performed with a 1.5-tesla scanner. Results Linear measurements of the MRI tomograms showed a slight tendency t oward wider ventricles and broader cortical sulci in the reference group. V isual evaluation of the MRI by 2 experienced neuroradiologists showed no si gnificant difference between the groups; however, there was substantial int erobserver variability. Conclusions The MRI findings of this study do not support the hypothesis th at long-term low-level occupational exposure to organic solvents results in the development of brain atrophy, or specific MRI signal changes in the re gion of the basal ganglia and thalami.