One of the following chronic poisoning mimics ‘mumps’?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of chronic poisoning that can present with symptoms similar to those of mumps, a viral infection characterized by swelling of the parotid glands.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to heavy metal poisoning, specifically **Lead (Pb) poisoning**. Lead exposure can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, abdominal pain, and neuropathy. One of the classic presentations of chronic lead poisoning is **gummas**, which are painless, firm swellings that can occur on the skin or mucous membranes, including the parotid glands, giving a clinical picture similar to mumps.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not relevant to the clinical presentation of chronic poisoning mimicking mumps.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect as it is not associated with the clinical presentation of chronic poisoning mimicking mumps.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect as it is not related to the clinical presentation of chronic poisoning mimicking mumps.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to consider chronic poisoning in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with symptoms similar to mumps, especially if there is a history of exposure to heavy metals. Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through blood tests and treated with chelation therapy.
**Correct Answer: C. Lead (Pb) poisoning**