Recurrent Abdominal Pain of Unusual Cause: An Elaborative History is always Rewarding!

Abstract

Lead poisoning has been recognized as a major public health risk. We present a case of middle aged female, who presented with recurrent episodes of severe abdominal pain , which remains obscure even after thorough clinical evaluation and extensive investigations. Lastly, blood lead levels were ordered which came out to be significantly raised and diagnosis of lead intoxication was made convincingly. On reviewing the case, history of intake of herbal medication containing lead based ingredient justified the diagnosis. Therefore, even though the diagnosis represents a challenge, a physician must always include this possibility in the differential diagnosis for cases with suggestive symptoms.