X-Ray Spectroscopic Localization of Selenium in Four Patients Having Heavy Metal Intoxication

Biopsies of four patients having various exposures to heavy metals were examined using SEM, TEM and X-ray microanalysis. Two patients having industrial exposure to inorganic mercury developed immune complex glomerulonephritis with a membranous distribution of IgG and C3. Within the proximal tubules of each patient were finely granular electron dense phagolysosomes. X-ray spectroscopic analysis of these inclusions demonstrated spectra characteristic of mercury and selenium.