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Burton's line
Etiology:
- chronic lead poisoning
Pathology:
- occurs as a result of lead reacting with oral bacteria metabolites
Clinical manifestations:
- gray line along the margins of the lower gums
Laboratory:
- elevated lead in blood
Notes:
- case report of lead contaminated opium chewed by patient for to years (17 mg of lead per 1 g of opium) [1]
* lead may sometimes be added to opium to increase its weight when sold
Related
lead poisoning (plumbism)
General
sign/symptom
References
- Helmich F, Lock G.
Burton's Line from Chronic Lead Intoxication.
N Engl J Med 2018; 379:e35. Nove 8, 2018
PMID: 30403939
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1801693