Журнал клинической токсикологии
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Chronic Methyl Mercury Toxicity in a 72 Year-Old Athletic Male from Southwestern Virginia

James R Palmieri, McAlister Council-Troche, Jonathan Fraim, Adair McCabe, Beverly A Rzigalinski

This research article focuses on the case report of a 72 years old athletic male from Southwestern Virginia who was chronically exposed to methylmercury via the consumption of tuna and swordfish steaks. The tuna and swordfish fish were wild-caught in the Pacific basin (Viet Nam or Thailand). As a comparison or analyses, Atlantic basin fish samples were obtained as fresh tuna and swordfish steaks from a seafood store in Salem, Virginia USA. Atlantic basin fish were caught off the coast of North Carolina, USA. The patient’s methylmercury toxicity presented clinically as an erythematous rash with macules, patches, papules and petechia on his bilateral ankles. The patient’s blood mercury level was extremely elevated at this time. The patient stopped his daily intake of fish and was observed at an out-patient dermatology clinic over the course of 11 months, during which time blood levels of mercury were repeatedly taken. The patient’s symptoms improved and the blood mercury levels declined. Additionally, Inductively Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyzed mercury levels from the fish consumed by the patient as well as a group of fish from a different geographical region. While fish and other seafood is frequently noted for its health benefits, it is imperative that the potential toxicities be discussed and researched across the globe, especially in areas in which it is a primary dietary source. There is a great need for local and national public health officials and the various stores and markets where consumers purchase fresh and frozen fish, to provide the public with information on mercury content, and allowable amount and frequency that mercury-laden fish should be consumed, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about which fish to eat.