Severe Nervous System Damage in Long-Term Professional Exposure toPhthalates

Abstract

This paper presents a case of a 37-year-old male patient who suffered from very severe nervous system damage with tetraparesis after having used a paint thinner containing diisononyl phthalate at work for more than ten years. Brain MRI revealed scattered focal lesions in both cerebral hemispheres, typical of cytotoxic oedema. A follow-up examination conducted after 2 years showed persistent lesions and more severe cortical atrophies. Decreased cognitive function and operating memory disturbances were also observed in the patient. His mental processes display features of sluggishness and lack flexibility. Clinical presentation of the patient indicates severe nervous system damage in long-term contact with phthalates.