uranium and foot cramps - 1972 research

[Guest guest]

Abstract (22 years ago FYI) from Nouv Presse Med 1982 Jan

16;11(2):119-21

Chronic neurological syndrome resulting from intoxication with metallic

uranium

Goasguen J, Lapresle J, Ribot C, Rocquet G.

In 1972, a male patient, then 44-year-old, developed foot cramps and leg

pain together with increasing gait disorders and a tendency to fall

backwards. In 1976, an extrapyramidal syndrome with ataxia, nystagmus

and peripheral neuropathy was discovered on neurological examination.

The symptoms persisted and remained of obscure origin until 1979, when a

detailed aetiological enquiry disclosed that during at least the first

three years of his illness the patient had had on his desk a bar of

metallic

uranium which he frequently handled. Stool analysis showed significant

uranium levels. In the absence of any other cause, it would appear that

the neurological syndrome was due to intoxication with uranium. Although

this had not been previously described in man, there are occasional

reports of uranium toxicity in laboratory animals.