[Sideroblastic anemia, lead poisoning and wine from Bordeaux]

Abstract

The detection of progressive sideroblastic anaemia over a period of weeks in a 58 year old woman led to the diagnosis of chronic lead poisoning confirmed by serum lead levels of 2 mg/l. The alimentary origin of the lead poisoning was proved by the finding of high lead levels in the wine which the patient drank excessively. An inquiry at the wine merchant's showed that the local wine was not responsible but that the foreign wine used to fortify the blend had been contaminated. Chronic lead poisoning in alcoholics which has already been widely reported and the demonstration of abnormally high lead levels in wine, rise the problem of regular statutory surveillance of lead levels in alcoholic beverages.