Exposure to Industrial Solvents and Brain Atrophy

Abstract

Pneumoencephalographic (PEG) findings of 37 patients referred to the Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, because of suspected chronic organic solvent intoxication showed changes suggesting brain atrophy in 64% of the patients. Slight asymmetric central and slight local cortical atrophy were the most common findings. There were no significant difference between those considered having heavy exposure and those with less significant exposure either in regards to PEG findings or other neurological findings. Thus, lack of dose-response relationship in this study suggests nonspecificity of the slight PEG findings and possibly also individual susceptibility to neurotoxic agents.

Nervous system effects of long-term occupational exposure to toluene

“…The following measurements were taken in the A four point rating scale was used (0 = no photographic negatives by two neuroradiologists atrophy, 1 = slight atrophy, 2 = moderate (HS and MV) unaware in all cases whether the atrophy, 3 = severe atrophy). scans were of toluene-exposed subjects or referparietal and occipital); Electroencephalography (EEG) was performed 2) Sylvian fissure widening; o n each patient with a 17-channel van Gogh Table 1 Symptoms of the subjects Table 3 Results of the computerized axial tomography of the brain Symptom or a combination 22 19 Abnormal findings in neuropsychological examinations 14 7 and posture 9 9 Exposed Referents (n =…”