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. 1994 Aug;57(8):990–993. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.57.8.990

Extradural application of bismuth iodoform paraffin paste causing relapsing bismuth encephalopathy: a case report with CT and MRI studies.

R R Sharma 1, I P Cast 1, R M Redfern 1, C O'Brien 1
PMCID: PMC1073090  PMID: 8057127

Abstract

Bismuth iodoform paraffin paste (BIPP) is used in dressings in ear, nose, and throat, dental, and neurosurgical practice. Neurotoxicity due to absorption of bismuth from the BIPP pack is rare. It is preventable and reversible but likely to be fatal if unrecognised. A case of relapsing but reversible toxic encephalopathy due to a large extradural BIPP pack is reported in a 57 year old Caucasian woman, operated on for a huge basal cell carcinoma of the vertex invading the skull and extradural space. Clinical, neuroradiological (CT and MRI), and biochemical studies are presented and discussed in the light of the available literature.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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