Lead Poisoning From a Gunshot Wound
Lead poisoning from gunshot wounds is unusual. Awareness of this rare but serious complication can guide the physician in making a prompt diagnosis. We present a case of a 30-year-old male who had a remote history of a gunshot wound in the right knee and presented with right knee pain. Plain film showed intrarticular invasion of the bullet fragments. He was also found to have microcytic anemia with high blood lead levels. Chelation therapy was immediately started, followed with surgical removal of the bullet fragments. Lead intoxication is a rare but fatal complication of gunshot wounds. After a timely diagnosis, chelation therapy should be immediately started.
Lead poisoning is an unusual complication of gunshot wounds. The onset of symptoms can range from two days to 52 years after the incident. Since this is a fatal condition, making a timely diagnosis and starting chelation therapy early is vital.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Lead poisoning from gunshot wounds is unusual. Awareness of this rare but serious complication can guide the physician in making a prompt diagnosis. We present a case of a 30-year-old male who had a remote history of a gunshot wound in the right knee and presented with right knee pain. Plain film showed intrarticular invasion of the bullet fragments. He was also found to have microcytic anemia with high blood lead levels. Chelation therapy was immediately started, followed with surgical removal of the bullet fragments. Lead intoxication is a rare but fatal complication of gunshot wounds. After a timely diagnosis, chelation therapy should be immediately started.
Introduction
Lead poisoning is an unusual complication of gunshot wounds. The onset of symptoms can range from two days to 52 years after the incident. Since this is a fatal condition, making a timely diagnosis and starting chelation therapy early is vital.