A suspected case of “itai-itai disease” in a cadmium-polluted area in Akita prefecture, Japan

Toru Sasaki; Hyogo Horiguchi; Takehisa Matsukawa; Momoko Kobayashi; Yuki Omori; Etsuko Oguma; Atsushi Komatsuda

doi:10.1265/ehpm.24-00063

Abstract

Background: Itai-itai disease is the most severe case of chronic cadmium (Cd) toxicity, which was endemic in Cd-polluted areas in the Jinzu River basin in Toyama prefecture, Japan. Akita prefecture also has Cd-polluted areas, but there have been no cases of “itai-itai disease”.

Case presentation: An elderly female farmer with Cd nephropathy residing in a Cd-polluted area in the northern part of the Akita prefecture was identified through hospital-based screening at Akita Rosai Hospital in Odate city. She had chronic renal failure with a high Cd exposure level and advanced renal tubular dysfunction. The shortening of height, bone deformities and fractures, abnormal bone metabolism suggesting osteomalacia, and renal anemia were also noted. Therefore, “itai-itai disease”, similar to cases in the Jinzu River basin, was suspected.

Conclusion: This is the first case of “itai-itai disease” in a Cd-polluted area in Akita prefecture.

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