Severe Zinc Poisoning in the Peruvian Amazon: A Case Report

Silva-Díaz H.; Serrato-Monja A.V.; Estela-Moretti P.G.; Daza-Arévalo J.L. · International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine (2026) · DOI: 10.22037/ijmtfm.v16.51522

Resumen

Background: Zinc is an essential trace element for humans, although its excessive and prolonged ingestion or inhalation can cause harmful health problems. Case Presentation: We report the clinical case of a 25-year-old male patient from Yambrasbamba, Amazonas, Peru, who carried out agricultural and livestock activities in an area adjacent to a zinc oxide mining project closed in 2007 and 2008. The patient was admitted to the Lambayeque Regional Hospital with initial symptoms of decreased muscle strength, low back pain, nausea and vomiting, vesicular skin rash and polydipsia. Supporting tests revealed a notable increase in transaminases and total creatine phosphokinase and abdominal radiological image with multiple metallic calcifications along the colon. The history of consuming spring water with unusual organoleptic characteristics suggested environmental exposure to heavy metals. Analysis confirmed the diagnosis of chronic zinc poisoning. Compared with poisonings by other metals, such as mercury, zinc showed distinctive cutaneous symptoms and a favourable response to supportive measures. Conclusion: This case underlines the importance of considering environmental exposures in the differential diagnosis of patients with non-specific symptoms and highlights the need to raise awareness of the risks associated with zinc and other heavy metal poisoning in rural settings.

Instituciones: Universidad de San Martín de Porres; Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo