Lead exposure and Cushing's symptoms... A coincidence?

The other day I had a patient present in my office:

43 male, working at the site of the Olympic Village (South East False Creek) since 2007. Over the past 6 months this patient has developed softening of his muscles, emotional lability, abnormal bruising, puffiness of the face, reddening of the face, elevated blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. Prior to the development of these symptoms the patient's health was unremarkable.

Research indicates that soil samples taken from the development site of the Olympic Village are contaminated with numerous petroleum by-products, chemicals, and LEAD AND ARSENIC. There was demand that 50+ acres 9 meters deep be removed from the Olympic Village site and either disposed of safely in a different location, or processed (i.e. cleaned) and replaced. This would have risen costs tremendously! Sadly I could not find any reports of the soil being "cleaned"...

Lead exposure, whether chronic or acute, may present as Cushing-like signs and symptoms. The work-up for this patient involves various lab tests at the local hospital as per an internal medicine specialist and heavy metal investigation by his naturopathic doctor.

I used Ca-EDTA and DMPS to provoke the removal of metals from this patient's body and am eagerly awaiting the urine toxic metals report.

Stay tuned for more information on this case. Also, I would appreciate any comments or questions.