Pearls
A common inpatient neurology consult is for the evaluation of toxic-metabolic encephalopathy, for which the differential diagnosis is broad
Bismuth encephalopathy is a rare etiology; toxicity from topical bismuth-containing compounds even rarer
Bismuth encephalopathy can manifest with confusion (which can progress to coma), myoclonus, gait/appendicular ataxia, dysarthria, hallucinations, paresthesia, and seizures
CT brain may show hyperdensities in the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex due to accumulation of bismuth within these sites, which may resolve with resolution of toxicity
Oy-sters
When reviewing medications and metabolic derangements in the investigation of toxic-metabolic encephalopathy, bismuth exposure may be underrecognized and missed
Bismuth toxicity can mimic other encephalopathies associated with myoclonus such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT)
Serum and urine bismuth levels can be measured, but if toxicity is expected, bismuth exposure must be immediately discontinued
Missing this diagnosis can lead to easily avoidable morbidity and mortality
Bismuth-containing ointment has been used for the dressing of wounds since World War I.1 A popular option for burns and skin grafts, bismuth iodoform paraffin paste (BIPP) is a sterile gauze impregnated with 2 active ingredients: bismuth subnitrate and iodoform.2 Because it does not get infected with chronic use in deep wounds, it is often left in situ for weeks.2 BIPP is also used in maxillofacial and neurologic surgeries, where case reports have noted a rare adverse effect of toxic encephalopathy.3 However, the literature on toxic encephalopathy caused by BIPP used for burn wounds is sparse.
Case report
A 53-year-old man with a history of uncontrolled diabetes and severe polyneuropathy was admitted to the trauma service for treatment of 3rd to 4th degree burns of the legs. He sustained the burns 2 weeks prior to presentation from placing his legs in hot water for a prolonged period, and he did not seek medical attention immediately due to lack of pain. On presentation, he had foul-smelling purulent drainage on both feet to the ankles, which required surgical debridement. The patient's wounds were dressed using BIPP, about 100 g twice daily. A month into his hospitalization, we were consulted because the patient was confused, agitated, and aimlessly wandering. On examination, he had impaired attention. He was oriented to only self and place, and able to follow only simple commands. He had occasional myoclonus. No other deficits were noted on examination. Renal, liver, and thyroid functions, as well as ammonia level, were normal. Evaluation for active infection, including blood and urine cultures, was also negative. MRI of the brain without contrast revealed an incidental chronic punctate ischemic infarct of the left lateral pons, which a complete stroke investigation found was likely secondary to chronic small vessel disease from uncontrolled diabetes. An EEG demonstrated slow background activity in delta/theta range with absent posterior dominant rhythm suggestive of moderate–severe encephalopathy; there were no seizures or electrographic correlate with the myoclonic jerks noted. At the time of consultation, we requested blood and urine bismuth levels and recommended his BIPP be discontinued, after which his mental status gradually improved. The urine bismuth level eventually returned significantly elevated at 213.7 μg/g creatinine (normal range <7 μg/g creatinine). The blood bismuth level was unable to be measured at our institution.
Discussion
Acute bismuth toxicity is more likely to cause renal failure, whereas chronic toxicity is more systemic and more likely to cause neurologic manifestations.4,5 Our patient developed symptoms after 1 month of daily exposure. Signs of bismuth encephalopathy include confusion (which can progress to coma), myoclonus, gait/appendicular ataxia, dysarthria, hallucinations, paresthesia, and seizures.6 Bismuth toxicity has also been associated with bilateral, diffuse basal ganglia, cerebellar, and cerebral cortical hyperdensities on CT, though not all patients reported have had these findings, as in our case.7,8 CT abnormalities may resolve with resolution of bismuth toxicity.7 Blood and urine bismuth levels can be measured,9 but do not seem to differential acute from chronic exposure. In patients with bismuth encephalopathy, blood levels range from 50 to 1,600 μg/L and urine levels range from 150 to 1,250 μg/L.9 Blood and urine levels correlate well.10 The mainstay of treatment is discontinuation of bismuth-containing compounds and supportive care.9
Topical bismuth can be absorbed systemically and cause toxicity if used over injured skin.1,11 Even small amounts used over time appear to accumulate in the kidney for months.12 Bismuth toxic encephalopathy is a rare adverse effect of bismuth-containing oral formulations, and if not recognized early, can be fatal.13 The most common adverse effect of oral formulation is a darkening of stool.6 Our case highlights the incidence of bismuth encephalopathy associated with topical BIPP used for burn wounds. Typically, it is characterized by confusion, ataxia, and myoclonus, but atypical presentations consisting of solely behavioral changes or suicidal ideation have been described.3 In our case, frequent myoclonic jerks in the acute phase, without EEG correlate, were present. Kruger et al.11 suggested that bismuth can cross the blood–brain barrier and bind to enzymes involved in oxidative metabolism, leading to reduced oxygen consumption, increased lactate production, and thus reduced cerebral blood flow.
Of note, several cases of altered mental status have been described in association with iodoform gauze, usually correlating with high serum iodine levels.14 BIPP contains both bismuth and iodine, thus our patient was exposed to both potentially toxic compounds. Though we did not check iodine levels in our patient, the normal thyroid function and significantly elevated urine bismuth level is more consistent with bismuth toxicity.
Bismuth toxic encephalopathy should be part of the differential for any burn patients receiving BIPP for wound dressing, as early recognition of the syndrome is important to prevent long-term cognitive sequelae or even death.2
Author contributions
V. Saini: drafting/revising the manuscript, data acquisition, study concept or design, analysis or interpretation of data, accepts responsibility for conduct of research and final approval. R. Chalfin: drafting/revising the manuscript, accepts responsibility for conduct of research and final approval. J. Leon: drafting/revising the manuscript, analysis or interpretation of data, accepts responsibility for conduct of research and final approval. J. Margolesky: drafting/revising the manuscript, data acquisition, study concept or design, accepts responsibility for conduct of research and final approval, study supervision.
Study funding
No targeted funding reported.
Disclosure
The authors report no disclosures relevant to the manuscript. Go to Neurology.org/N for full disclosures.
Footnotes
Go to Neurology.org/N for full disclosures. Funding information and disclosures deemed relevant by the authors, if any, are provided at the end of the article.
- © 2019 American Academy of Neurology
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