OBJECTIVE: To present a case of organic arsenic intoxication after consumption of bird's nest soup in a Vietnamese patient. METHOD: We have described the clinical picture of a patient with organic arsenic intoxication, and high levels of urine arsenic after consumption of bird's nest soup. RESULT: Withdrawal of bird's nest soup coincided with a decrease in urinary arsenic levels and the disappearance of peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the environmental contamination of bird's nest soup with organic arsenic. A prompt removal of the source from the diet resulted in clinical improvement.
OBJECTIVE: To present a case of organic arsenic intoxication after consumption of bird's nest soup in a Vietnamese patient. METHOD: We have described the clinical picture of a patient with organic arsenic intoxication, and high levels of urine arsenic after consumption of bird's nest soup. RESULT: Withdrawal of bird's nest soup coincided with a decrease in urinary arsenic levels and the disappearance of peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the environmental contamination of bird's nest soup with organic arsenic. A prompt removal of the source from the diet resulted in clinical improvement.