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Subarachnoid hemorrhage resulting from methanol intoxication: demonstration by computed tomography
R del Carpio-O'Donovan1, J Glay
1Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Que.
Summary
Methanol intoxication can lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage, a rare complication. This case report details a patient experiencing extensive brain hemorrhages and cerebral edema following methanol ingestion.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can cause severe health consequences.
- Neurological complications of methanol toxicity typically include vision loss and metabolic acidosis.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rare but serious neurological event.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms of methanol intoxication.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed signs suggestive of subarachnoid hemorrhage upon admission.
- Hemorrhage became more extensive by day 5, with additional findings of left caudate and pontine hemorrhage, and severe cerebral edema.
Findings:
- The patient developed subarachnoid hemorrhage following methanol intoxication.
- CT scans confirmed and tracked the progression of the hemorrhage.
- Associated findings included focal hemorrhages and significant cerebral edema.
Implications:
- This case highlights a previously unreported association between methanol ingestion and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Clinicians should consider subarachnoid hemorrhage in the differential diagnosis of neurological complications in methanol-intoxicated patients.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and incidence of this rare complication.