Case report: Lead poisoning

Severe abdominal colic and other symptoms of lead poisoning are uncommon condition in adults. The diagnosis of lead toxicity is often delayed and abdominal pain is mistaken for acute abdomen. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, constipation and anemia and also neurotoxicity. High blood lead levels confirm the diagnosis and prevention of reexposure to lead [work place changing] and lead chelators are backbone of treatment. This report highlights the importance of taking a detailed occupational history and considering lead poisoning in the differential diagnosis of patients with microcytic anemia and some common symptoms such as abdominal pain.