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510169 
Journal Article 
A case of neuropathy mimicking Guillain-Barre syndrome after arsenic intoxication 
Perriol, MP; Devos, D; Hurtevent, JF; Tiffreau, V; Saulnier, F; Destee, A; Defebvre, L 
2006 
Revue Neurologique
ISSN: 0035-3787 
162 
374-377 
French 
Introduction. Chronic arsenic toxicity is a global health problem affecting millions of people. Acute arsenic poisoning is less frequent and it is most often lethal. Therefore, its consequences are not well known, more precisely its neurological consequences. Observation. We report a case of Guillain-Barre-like syndrome and encephalopathy after acute arsenical poisoning in a 50 year-old man. After 4 month follow-up, the improvement was slow and limited with persistent motor and proprioceptive deficits. Discussion. The most frequent neurological complication induced by acute arsenical poisoning is a distal, symmetrical, sensory, axonal polyneuropathy. Yet the clinical course and the electrophysiological findings may also suggest a Guillain-Barre like syndrome. Moreover, the chelating is not very effective on the neurological complications. Conclusion. Any discrepancies in the clinical course of a Guillain-Barre syndrome shall lead to reconsider the diagnosis. The association of gastro-intestinal disorders, skin lesions, and encephalopathy and mood disorders leads to discuss intoxication with heavy metal and more precisely with arsenic. Moreover, the chelating is not very effective on the neurological complications. 
Guillain-Barre; neuropathy; acute arsenic intoxication 
IRIS
• Arsenic (Inorganic)
     1. Literature
          PubMed
          Toxline, TSCATS, & DART
          Web of Science
     2. Initial Filter
          Non peer-reviewed
          Non English
• Inorganic Arsenic (7440-38-2) [Final 2025]
     1. Initial Lit Search
          PubMed
          WOS
          ToxNet
     3. Initial Filter through Oct 2015
          Non-English
          Non Peer-Reviewed