Increase in signal intensities on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images in asymptomatic manganese-exposed workers - PubMed (original) (raw)

K S Kim, J S Yang, I J Park, E Kim, Y Jin, K R Kwon, K H Chang, J W Kim, S H Park, H S Lim, H K Cheong, Y C Shin, J Park, Y Moon

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Increase in signal intensities on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images in asymptomatic manganese-exposed workers

Y Kim et al. Neurotoxicology. 1999 Dec.

Abstract

Objectives: To clarify the clinical significance of increased signal intensities on T1 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) we performed a large-scale epidemiological study on asymptomatic manganese (Mn)-exposed workers with its focus on MRI.

Methods: We randomly selected 121 male workers out of a total of 750 workers including Mn-exposed, non-exposed manual, and non-exposed clerical workers in the factories. We studied environmental and biological monitoring, neurological examination, and MRI.

Results: The proportion of workers with increased signal intensities among the exposed, the non-exposed manual workers, and the non-exposed clerical workers was 46.1%, 18.8%, and 0%, respectively. Especially, 73.5% of the welders showed increased signal intensities. In no subject, were clinical signs of manganism observed. The pallidal index correlated with blood Mn concentration.

Conclusion: Increase in signal intensities on the T1-weighted image reflect recent exposure to Mn, but not necessarily manganism. At which increase of signal intensity, the progression of manganism from Mn exposure occurs, remains to be solved.

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