Lead poisoning associated with Ayurvedic drug presenting as intestinal obstruction: A case report

Introduction: Lead poisoning is most commonly caused by occupational exposure. It presents with a myriad of signs and symptoms ranging from mild anemia to frank encephalopathy, depending on the blood lead levels as well as the duration of exposure. Intake of herbal/Ayurvedic medicine may also lead to plumbism as heavy metals are often incorporated in such medications with the belief that such metals have medicinal properties. Methods: We report a case of lead poisoning caused by Ayurvedic medication. The patient presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction to the surgical casualty. Results: The patient presented with symptoms that mimicked intestinal obstruction. No specific etiology could be determined. Serum lead levels were determined and diagnosis of lead poisoning ascertained. The lead content of the medicine was analyzed and it contained 30% w/w lead. Conclusions: The diagnosis of heavy metal poisoning consequent to intake of alternative medicine must be kept in mind when a patient presents with vague complaints. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.