[Lead poisoning revealed by severe encephalopathy : pica does exist in France (author's transl)].

Subacute lead encephalopathy due a chronic poisoning was present in a 6 year-old child. Neurologic features (coma, seizures, CSF abnormalities) began after 2 weeks of vomiting, abdominal pain and constipation. Diagnosis was confirmed by studies of porphyrin metabolism. Lead poisoning following pica in childhood has rarely been reported in France. Its pathogenesis, main features, diagnosis and treatment are reviewed.