| lead encephalitis | A metabolic encephalopathy, caused by the ingestion of lead compounds and seen particularly in early childhood; it is characterised pathologically by extensive cerebral oedema, status spongiosus, neurocytolysis, and some reactive inflammation; clinical manifestations include convulsions, delirium, and hallucinations. See: lead poisoning. Synonym: lead encephalitis, saturnine encephalopathy. (05 Mar 2000) |
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