Biomaterial Database

Chronic arsenicism: criminal poisoning or drug-intoxication? Report of two cases. 1993

U Sass, and E Grosshans, and J M Simonart

Dermatological Department, Centre Hospitalier Etterbeek-Ixelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.

We report two cases with chronic arsenicism. The first one is a young 37-year-old woman who presents leucomelanoderma, plantar keratoderma, polyneuropathy of the legs and transversal striae of the nails. After investigations, criminal intoxication with arsenic caused by her own sister was discovered. The second case is a 42-year-old man who had developed plantar keratoderma, arsenical keratoses and two squamous cell epitheliomas 10 years after a 2-year treatment with Fowler's solution for androgenetic alopecia.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007645	Keratoderma, Palmoplantar	Group of mostly hereditary disorders characterized by thickening of the palms and soles as a result of excessive keratin formation leading to hypertrophy of the stratum corneum (hyperkeratosis).	Hyperkeratosis Palmaris et Plantaris,Keratosis Palmaris et Plantaris,Keratosis, Palmoplantar,Meleda Disease,Palmoplantar Keratoderma,Keratosis Palmoplantaris Transgradiens of Siemens,Mal de Meleda,Disease, Meleda,Keratodermas, Palmoplantar,Keratoses, Palmoplantar,Meleda, Mal de,Palmoplantar Keratodermas,Palmoplantar Keratoses,Palmoplantar Keratosis,de Meleda, Mal
D008297	Male		Males
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D003415	Crime	A violation of the criminal law, i.e., a breach of the conduct code specifically sanctioned by the state, which through its administrative agencies prosecutes offenders and imposes and administers punishments. The concept includes unacceptable actions whether prosecuted or going unpunished.	Kidnapping,Poaching,Crimes,Kidnappings
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D001151	Arsenic	A shiny gray element with atomic symbol As, atomic number 33, and atomic weight 75. It occurs throughout the universe, mostly in the form of metallic arsenides. Most forms are toxic. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), arsenic and certain arsenic compounds have been listed as known carcinogens. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)	Arsenic-75,Arsenic 75
D012871	Skin Diseases	Diseases involving the DERMIS or EPIDERMIS.	Dermatoses,Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders,Dermatosis,Skin Disease
D017680	Potassium Compounds	Inorganic compounds that contain potassium as an integral part of the molecule.	Compounds, Potassium