Which of the following heavy metal poisoning may cause colitis that resembles diphtheritic colitis?
**Core Concept**
Heavy metal poisoning can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including colitis, due to their toxic effects on the intestinal mucosa. This question specifically asks about a heavy metal that can cause colitis resembling diphtheritic colitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the mucosa and submucosa of the colon.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Arsenic poisoning can cause colitis that resembles diphtheritic colitis due to its toxic effects on the intestinal mucosa. Arsenic exposure can lead to increased mucus production, mucosal inflammation, and ulceration, resulting in a clinical picture similar to diphtheritic colitis. The pathophysiology involves the binding of arsenic to sulfhydryl groups in proteins, leading to damage to the intestinal mucosa.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Mercury poisoning is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but it does not typically cause colitis resembling diphtheritic colitis.
**Option B:** Lead poisoning can cause abdominal pain and constipation, but it is not typically associated with colitis resembling diphtheritic colitis.
**Option C:** Copper poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, but it is not typically associated with colitis resembling diphtheritic colitis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Arsenic poisoning can also cause a range of other symptoms, including skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, making it a potentially life-threatening condition if not treated promptly.
**Correct Answer:** A. Arsenic poisoning.