Four cases are described in which Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is associated with the use of organic solvents. Two of them are a housewife and an ex-banker who had multiple exposure to insecticides (with organic solvent base), followed years later with a diagnosis of PSP.
The other two are of lithographers, both of whom worked at the same industrial firm where solvent exposure took place with subsequent development of PSP. The hypothesis that PSP is linked to an environmental toxin is supported by these cases.
SteeleJC, GuzmanT.Observations about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the Parkinsonism-dementia complex of Guam with regard to epidemiology and etiology. Can J Neurol Sci1987; (Aug. supplement) 14(3): 358–362.
5.
SpencerPS, NunnPB, Guam amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Parkinsonism-dementia linked to a plant excitant neurotoxin. Science1987; 237: 517–522.
6.
Research news.Environmental hypothesis for brain diseases strengthened by new data. Science1987; 237: 483–487.
7.
CalneS, Familial parkinson's disease: possible role of environmental factors. J Can Sci Neurol1987; 14(3): 303–305.
8.
LindstromK, Occupational solvent exposure and neuropsychiatrie disorders. Scand J Work Environ Health1984; 10: 321–323.
9.
MastagliaFL, GraingerK, Progressive supranuclear palsy: the Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome: clinical and electrophysiological observations in eleven cases. Proc Aust Assoc Neurol1973; 10: 35–44.
10.
AlbertMI, FeldmanRG, WillisAL. The “subcortical dementia” of progressive supranuclear palsy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry1974; 37: 121–130.
11.
YosioU, SkataE, (Tokyo). A case of progressive supranuclear palsy — neurological findings and etiology. J Otolaryngol1978; 7(5): 409–414.
12.
BarbeauA, Ecogenetics of Parkinson's disease: prevalence and environmental aspects in rural areas. Can J Neurol Sci1987; 14(1): 36–41.
13.
FlodinU, Clinical studies of psycho-organic syndromes among workers with exposure to solvent. Am J Ind Med1984; 5: 287–295.
14.
Organic solvent neurotoxicity — current intelligence bulletin 48. U.S. Dept Health and Human Services, March 31, 1987.
