Chronic cadmium intoxication caused by a dental prosthesis.

We present a case of chronic cadmium intoxication caused by a gold dental prosthesis. The first symptoms of the disease appeared 2 years after insertion and gradually intensified over the next 3 years. Analysis of blood and urine samples, as well as parts of the prosthesis, revealed an excessive concentration of cadmium. The prosthesis was removed and the concentration of cadmium gradually returned to normal, with an amelioration of symptoms. This case illustrates the importance of investigating the possibility of intoxication with a heavy metal when symptoms of chronic illness accompany the presence of a prosthesis.