Long-term pulmonary and systemic toxicity following intravenous mercury injection.

Long-term pulmonary and systemic toxicity following mercury intravenous injection has rarely been assessed. We present the results of a detailed investigation assessing pulmonary and systemic long-term toxic effects in a subject who had pulmonary and systemic mercury microembolism diagnosed more than 11 years previously. Radiographic examination showed the persistence of mercury microemboli in both lungs and elsewhere in the body. Lung function tests revealed a decreased diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and PO2 probably indicative of microscopic inflammation of lung interstitium. Electroneuromyography showed signs of mild axonopathy in both legs. At semen analysis, a high proportion of motionless spermatozoa was present. Urinary excretion of mercury was high. Signs of interstitial lung impairment, peripheral axonopathy and asthenozoospermia in a subject who had mercury microembolism persisting for more than 11 years might be evidence of long-term mercury toxicity.