Recurrent Abdominal Pain of Unusual Cause: An Elaborative History is always Rewarding!
Published: 2021-01-28
Page: 16-19
Issue: 2021 - Volume 4 [Issue 1]
Sharad Dev
Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, UP, India.
Dawesh Prakash Yadav *
Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, UP, India.
Sunit Kumar Shukla
Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, UP, India.
Vinod Kumar Dixit
Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, UP, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Lead poisoning has been recognized as a major public health risk. We present a case of middle aged female, who presented with recurrent episodes of severe abdominal pain , which remains obscure even after thorough clinical evaluation and extensive investigations. Lastly, blood lead levels were ordered which came out to be significantly raised and diagnosis of lead intoxication was made convincingly. On reviewing the case, history of intake of herbal medication containing lead based ingredient justified the diagnosis. Therefore, even though the diagnosis represents a challenge, a physician must always include this possibility in the differential diagnosis for cases with suggestive symptoms.
Keywords: Lead intoxication, nag bhasma, herbal medication, pain abdomen.