ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1986
Page Count: 6

The Investigation of Alleged Insecticide Toxicity: A Case Involving Chlordane Exposure, Multiple Sclerosis, and Peripheral Neuropathy
Smialek, JE
professor, Office of the Medical Investigator, NM

Blisard, KS
Associate investigator, Research Service, Veteran's Administration Medical Center, NM

Kornfeld, M
Professor, University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, NM

McFeeley, PJ
Medical investigator, Office of the Medical Investigator, NM

Abstract

A man with no previous medical problems had two documented exposures to an insecticide containing the organophosphorous compounds chlordane and heptachlor. Six months to one year later, he began to experience neurological symptoms which progressed until his death. At autopsy, his brain showed classic findings of multiple sclerosis, and he had a severe peripheral neuropathy. Review of the literature indicates that the findings are not compatible with chlordane toxicity. Some of the factors to be used in determining the casual relationship between toxic exposure and disease processes are discussed.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, chlordane, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy

Paper ID: JFS11932J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11932J
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