An unusual presentation of methanol poisoning

Abstract

Methanol is a substance possessing high toxicity even in small quantities. It may lead to intracerebral hemorrhage, blindness and death. Methanol poisoning generally takes place as result of oral ingestion, but may rarely occur through inhalation or transdermally. Persons may be exposed to methanol because of illegal alcohol beverage producers or alternative medicine providers. A 55-year-old male with methanol poisoning as a result of rubbing a self-prepared mixture of methylated spirit and aspirin on his shoulder with the aim of alleviating pain was described in this case report. Emergency physicians should remember that patients presenting with visual problems, altered awareness and impaired balance may have methanol poisoning. 

Keywords

• Accidental
• Methanol
• Poisoning
• Transdermal

References

1. Berk, W.A., 2004. Alcohols. In: Tintinalli, J.E., Kelen, G.D., Stapczynski, J.S., editors. Emergency Medicine. A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill. 1067-1069.
2. Bestic, M., Blackford, M., Reed, M., 2009. Fomepizole: A critical assessment of current dosing recommendations. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 49, 130- 137.
3. Jammalamadaka, D., Raissi, S., 2010. Ethylene glycol, methanol and isopropyl alcohol intoxication. Am. J. Med. Sci. 339, 276-81.
4. Karaduman, F., Asil, T., Balci, K., Temizoz, O., Unlu, E., Yılmaz, A., Utku, U., 2009. Bilateral basal ganglionic lesions due to transdermal methanol intoxication. J. Clin. Neurosci. 16, 1504-1506.
5. Onder, F., Ilker, S., Kansu, T., Tatar, T., Kural, G., 1999. Acute blindness and putaminal necrosis in methanol intoxication. Int. Ophthalmol. 22, 81-84.
6. Sutton, T.L., Foster, R.L., Liner, S.R., 2002. Acute methanol ingestion. Pediatr. Emerg. Care. 18, 360-363.
7. Verslegers, W.R., De Deyn, P.P., 2006. Serious intoxication after inhaling methanol. Ned Tijdschr. Geneeskd. 16, 2057.