Lead Poisoning from a Gunshot Wound

Lead poisoning from gunshot wounds is unusual. Awareness of this rare but serious complication can guide the physician in making a prompt diagnosis. We present a case of a 30-year-old male who had a remote history of a gunshot wound in the right knee and presented with right knee pain. Plain film showed intrarticular invasion of the bullet fragments. He was also found to have microcytic anemia with high blood lead levels. Chelation therapy was immediately started, followed with surgical removal of the bullet fragments. Lead intoxication is a rare but fatal complication of gunshot wounds. After timely diagnosis, chelation therapy should be immediately started.