Painful, Unexplained Peripheral Neuropathy? Think Thallium Toxicity

The document discussed the case of Dr. Marina Kovalevsky and her daughter, who were treated for thallium poisoning in Moscow, raising concerns about intentional poisoning. Thallium, a heavy metal with no physiological role, mimics potassium and disrupts key biological processes, leading to symptoms like painful ascending sensory neuropathy and alopecia. Diagnosis is challenging due to the non-specific early symptoms and the rarity of thallium toxicity cases. Effective treatment includes activated charcoal and Prussian blue, while other therapies like metal chelators are ineffective or harmful. Early suspicion and appropriate testing are crucial for managing thallium poisoning.