Cracked mercury dental amalgam as a possible cause of fever of unknown origin: a case report.

Author: Bamonti F, Guzzi G, Ferrero ME.

Source: J Med Case Rep.

Year: 2008

Comment:

This study examines the case of a cracked amalgam filling in the mouth of a woman.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“INTRODUCTION:

Sudden fever of unknown origin is quite a common emergency and may lead to hospitalization. A rise in body temperature can be caused by infectious diseases and by other types of medical condition. This case report is of a woman who had fever at night for several days and other clinical signs which were likely related to cracked dental mercury amalgam.

CASE PRESENTATION:

A healthy women developed fever many days after had cracked a mercury dental amalgam filling. Blood tests evidenced increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anemia and elevated white cell count; symptoms were headache and palpitations. Blood tests and symptoms normalized within three weeks of removal of the dental amalgam.

CONCLUSION:

This case highlights the possible link between mercury vapor exposure from cracked dental amalgam and early activation of the immune system leading to fever of unknown origin.”

Citation:

Bamonti F, Guzzi G, Ferrero ME. Cracked mercury dental amalgam as a possible cause of fever of unknown origin: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2008; 2:72.