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A case of delayed carbon monoxide (630080) (CO) poisoning in the driver of a propane fueled truck was presented. The patient was a 61 year old man referred by a neurologist for possible toxic exposure symptoms. He complained of clumsy gait, numbness in extremities, fatigue, generalized weakness, and nervousness. He was employed as a drill construction worker for a gas company and drove a propane powered truck. Results of diagnostic tests were consistent with a moderately advanced sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy. Five years later, he indicated that his symptoms had persisted. He dated his symptoms to 5 years earlier, when he had driven a truck that had a leak which allowed CO to seep into the cab; the worker was exposed 2 to 3 hours a day for several months. While in the cab, he felt lethargic and tired. Physical examination revealed gross hyporeflexia. Subsequently, the worker was diagnosed with chronic CO intoxication. According to the author, CO symptoms may go unrecognized as being CO exposure related. The author concludes that CO poisoning involves a highly complex series of events that are not well understood, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 30(6):765-768, 1996. (22 references)
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