[Intermittent reaction in the electronystagmographic pendular test in chronic carbon disulfide poisoning]

Abstract

101 past workers of artificial fibres plant (average age 50.5 years +/- 6.1, average length of employment 21.8 years +/- 6.0, disabled due to recognized chronic carbon disulphide poisoning of various clinical forms, have been examined. Apart from routine ENG examination (recording at rest and after kinetic, caloric and optokinetic stimulation), the pendular swivel chair test has been carried out. Tönnies electronystagmograph coupled with electronically controlled swivel chair D-420 has been used, programmed for pendular motion with angular acceleration values 1 degree/sek2. Analysis of electronystagmographic records after pendular stimulation has revealed the characteristic intermittent nystagmus reaction in 50.5% of subjects. Occurrence of such nystagmus pattern increased with patients age and CS2 exposure duration, amounting in particular clinical forms of poisoning to the following: 91% in encephalopolyneuropathy, 70% in encephalopathy and 35% in polyneuropathy. The authors regard the electronystagmographic evaluation of vestibular system done with the pendular swivel chair as significant aid in diagnosing toxic labyrinthopathies due to CS2 poisonings. On the other hand, intermittent nystagmus reaction may be indicative of the central nature of the lesions.