Scand J Work Environ Health 2000;26(4):346-352 pdf
https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.552 | Issue date: Aug 2000
Failure to confi rm neurotoxic impairment using cerebral magnetic resonance imaging on solvent-exposed workers
Objectives The study aimed at assessing signs of nervous system impairment by cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among workers with a history of long-term exposure to mixtures of organic solvents.
Methods Thirty-six workers (mean age 44.1 years) with at least 10 (mean 23.9) years of occupational exposure to solvents and pair-matched referents with no former solvent exposure went through a blind, random-order investigation of cerebral MRI, performed with a 1.5-tesla scanner.
Results Linear measurements of the MRI tomograms showed a slight tendency toward wider ventricles and broader cortical sulci in the reference group. Visual evaluation of the MRI by 2 experienced neuroradiologists showed no significant difference between the groups; however, there was substantial interobserver variability.
Conclusions The MRI findings of this study do not support the hypothesis that long-term low-level occupational exposure to organic solvents results in the development of brain atrophy, or specific MRI signal changes in the region of the basal ganglia and thalami.
Key terms basal ganglia; brain dysfunction; cerebral atrophy; occupational exposure; organic solvent