Gout secondary to lead-induced nephropathy is a long-term complication of occupational lead exposure. We report a case of this now-rare condition. The patient was a 63-year-old man who had been a miner from 1950 to 1970. Thirty years after cessation of his exposure to lead, he experienced onset of inflammatory symmetric polyarthritis with joint deformities. Hyperuricemia, moderately severe renal failure, and tubular acidosis were found, indicating gouty polyarthritis. Blood lead levels were high, establishing that the cause was lead poisoning. EDTA chelation therapy was effective.

Lead poisoning is frequently under-recognized because the clinical manifestations are often minimal and the diagnosis difficult to establish. We suggest that lead bound to bone may result in continued exposure to lead after cessation of industrial or environmental exposure. Chelating agents are valuable for the diagnosis and can ensure a full recovery.