Nephrotic Syndrome After Contact with Mercury

Abstract

The nephrotic syndrome after the administration of compounds containing mercury is usually attributed to the toxic action of the metal on the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney. In a study of the toxic effects of mercury on kidneys of various vertebrate species including man, Edwards found that anatomic alterations were virtually limited to the proximal convoluted tubules.¹The following cases are presented as examples of the nephrotic syndrome due to membranous glomerulonephritis secondary to contact with compounds containing mercury. Three developed after the use of ammoniated mercury ointment. <h3>Report of Cases</h3><h3>Case 1.—</h3> A 50-year-old man was admitted to The New York Hospital on Feb. 21, 1956, complaining of swollen legs. For 7 months the patient had used ammoniated mercury ointment (2%) for psoriasis involving his scalp, elbows, hands, forearms, and knees. Six weeks prior to admission the patient noticed painless swelling of both ankles. During ensuing weeks, the