fluoride toxicity

Etiology: 1) pesticide exposure 2) dental fluorosis Pathology: 1) ingestion of 2 g of NaFl is lethal 2) precipitation of Ca+2 causing hypocalcemia & tetany 3) fluoride inhibits carbohydrate metabolism 4) chronic ingestion mottles dental enamel Clinical manifestations: 1) nausea and vomiting (corrosive vomitus) 2) abdominal pain 3) diarrhea 4) hypertension 5) manifestations of hypocalcemia Laboratory: 1) hyperglycemia 2) prolonged blood clotting time Radiology: osteosclerosis

References

DeGowin & DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, 6th edition, RL DeGowin (ed), McGraw Hill, NY 1994, pg 886