Question

A patient came with complaints of hair loss. His wife mentions that she has noticed some behavioral changes. The doctor notices a loss of eyebrows on the lateral side. He then concludes by examining the nails. What is the type of poisoning in this case? 

• A. Thallium
• B. Arsenic
• C. Mercury
• D. Lead

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The scenario presented describes a patient exhibiting specific symptoms indicative of a certain type of poisoning. Let's analyze the symptoms and identify the potential cause:

1. Hair Loss: The patient complains of hair loss, which can be consistent with several types of poisoning, but in particular with thallium poisoning, which is known to cause alopecia (hair loss).
2. Behavioral Changes: His wife's observation of behavioral changes can be linked to neurotoxic effects, which can occur with thallium poisoning.
3. Loss of Eyebrows on the Lateral Side: This specific symptom, referred to as 'Mad Hatter syndrome', is a classic sign of thallium toxicity.
4. Nail Examination: Examination of nails may reveal Mees' lines or other specific features in various poisonings, but combined with the other symptoms, it further points toward thallium.

Based on these observations, the most coherent type of poisoning, considering the unique symptom of lateral eyebrow loss combined with alopecia and behavioral changes, is Thallium poisoning.