Abstract
Minamata disease is the name given to a neurological syndrome caused by or-ganic mercury intoxication. Most commonly it results from consumption of methylmercury contaminated seafood and in severe cases is classically mani-fested by concentric constriction of the visual fields, ataxia and sensory dis-turbance in the distal extremities. The radiographic and neuropathological find-ings parallel the clinical picture and typically consist of lesions selectively in-volving the visual cortex, cerebellum and postecentral gyri.
Highlights
Mercury is encountered in both inorganic-elemental or mercury salts, and organic-alkylated forms
Most commonly it results from consumption of methylmercury contaminated seafood and in severe cases is classically manifested by concentric constriction of the visual fields, ataxia and sensory disturbance in the distal extremities
Sensory disturbance and constriction of the visual field were observed among 100% of Minamata disease patients, impaired coordination among 93.5%, dysarthria among 88.2%, hearing impairment among 85.3%, gait abnormalities in 82.4% and tremor among 75.8% [13]
Summary
Mercury is encountered in both inorganic-elemental or mercury salts, and organic-alkylated forms. Some of the classical manifestations of inorganic mercury poisoning are exemplified by the 19th century Mad Hatters—workers in the felting industry chronically exposed to elemental mercury vapors. These include confused speech, distorted vision, constellation of irritability, excitability, tendency to weep, anxiety, insomnia, and social withdrawal—known as erethism, fine tremors of the hands and feet (so-called Danbury Shakes, from hat makers in Danbury, Connecticut), personality changes, memory loss, inability to concentrate and occasional hallucinations [1]. The devastating effects of the organic mercury exposure, in particular methylmercury, were acknowledged only in the second half of the 20th century. Semionov gestion of contaminated food, has emerged as a serious potential health hazard
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