Question

Which of the following diagnoses give the hematological picture as given below?

• A. Minamata disease
• B. Saturnism
• C. Chronic iron toxicity
• D. Arsenic poisoning

Hint:

Basophilic stippling in red blood cells is a key diagnostic feature of lead poisoning (saturnism). Treatment often involves chelation therapy with agents like EDTA or dimercaprol.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Minamata disease: This disease is associated with mercury poisoning, and typically causes neurological symptoms such as numbness, ataxia, and speech difficulties. The hematological findings would not align with what is described in this question. 
Saturnism: This is the correct diagnosis. Saturnism, also known as lead poisoning, is characterized by basophilic stippling in red blood cells, which is evident in the given hematological picture. It is commonly caused by chronic exposure to lead. 
Chronic iron toxicity: Chronic iron poisoning leads to the accumulation of iron in various organs, but it does not typically show the distinctive hematological findings that are seen in lead poisoning. 
Arsenic poisoning: Arsenic poisoning can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and skin changes, but it does not show the same hematological findings as lead poisoning.

Thus, the correct answer is Saturnism (2) because the hematological finding of basophilic stippling is characteristic of lead poisoning.