Synonym(s)
Vinyl chloride disease
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Polysymptomatic disease in workers exposed to polyvinyl chloride. The skin lesions are localized at the acra of the extremities and resemble progressive systemic scleroderma. S.a. Pseudoscleroderma.
EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.
Toxic effect of PVC by inhalation and percutaneous.
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Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
- Acute vinyl chloride gas poisoning: Prenarcotic state with drowsiness, nausea, dizziness and asthma-like difficulty in breathing.
- Chronic intoxication (after exposure of varying length): acrodystrophy with scleroderma-like changes in fingers and toes, osteolysis of the end phalanges with plump finger thickening and watch glass nails, Raynaud's syndrome, hepatosplenomegaly with pathological liver function samples and liver remodelling processes.
- In the late stages esophageal varices, malignant liver tumours (especially haemangioendotheliomas) and malignancies of the digestive tract and lungs are possible. Furthermore, thrombocytopenia with reticulocytosis and leukopenia, central nervous disorders with facial nerve paresis, paresis of the upper extremities with muscle atrophy, paresthesia, weakening of the arm and leg reflexes, hyperhidrosis, neurasthenic or organic psychosyndrome with predominantly depressive disgruntlement and drive disorder as well as possibly potency disorders.
Complication(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Hepatocellular carcinomas.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Avoid polyvinyl chloride, a test with UVA1 rays is indicated.
Progression/forecastThis section has been translated automatically.
Cheap. Regression is possible.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
PVC gloves often contain benzisothiazolinone, which can cause contact allergy. The concentration of the allergen is between 9-32 ppm. In case of clinical suspicion an epicutaneous test should be performed.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Aalto-Korte K et al (2006) Antimicrobial allergy from polyvinyl chloride gloves. Arch Dermatol 142: 1326-1330
- Lange CE, Jühe S, Stein G, Veltman G (1974) The so-called vinyl chloride disease, an occupational system sclerosis? Int Arch Arbeitsmed 32: 1-32
- Li Y et al (2003) Polymorphisms for vinyl chloride metabolism in French vinyl chloride workers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 16: 55-59
- Pirastu R, Comba P, Reggiani A et al (1990) Mortality from liver disease among Italian vinyl chloride monomer/polyvinyl chloride manufacturers. Am J Ind Med 17: 155-161
- Podell K et al (1990) Neurological and psychiatric disorders in vinyl chloride disease. Progress neurol psychiatrist 58: 439-443
- Veltman G, Lange C-E, Stein G (1978) The vinyl chloride disease. The dermatologist 29: 177-182
- Wong RH et al (2003) Interaction of vinyl chloride monomer exposure and hepatitis B viral infection on liver cancer. J Occup Environ Med 45: 379-383
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Outgoing links (5)
Epicutaneous test; Pseudoscleroderma; Scleroderma (overview); Scleroderma systemic; Uv rays;Disclaimer
Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer