Endemic fluorosis with spinal cord compression. A case report and review.

We report a case of spinal cord compression in a Mexican immigrant due to vertebral osteosclerosis from chronic fluoride intoxication. Endemic fluorosis is acquired through drinking water. Groundwater sources with high fluoride content occur worldwide. The epidemiology, metabolism, and clinical features of fluorosis are reviewed. Greater physician awareness of this entity is important to identify correctly patients with this unusual and potentially devastating clinical disorder.