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Intracranial hemorrhage associated with methanol intoxication
Ahmet Sebe1, Salim Satar, Belkan Uzun
1Cukurova University, School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, 01330 Balcali/Adana, Turkey.
The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, New York
|February 8, 2007
Summary
Acute methanol poisoning can cause severe brain damage, including edema and hemorrhages, particularly in the temporal lobes. This case highlights the critical neurological sequelae of methanol intoxication, even with medical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Methanol is a ubiquitous industrial chemical found in numerous consumer products.
- Acute methanol poisoning is a medical emergency associated with severe metabolic acidosis and neurological deficits.
- Neuroimaging findings in methanol intoxication are uncommon but can indicate significant brain injury.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male presented in a comatose state due to acute methanol intoxication.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed widespread cerebral edema.
- Hemorrhages were observed in the supratentorial region of the temporal lobe, extending into surrounding white matter and occipital lobes.
Findings:
- The CT scan identified a crescent-shaped hemorrhage, approximately 3 x 1 cm, in the white matter near the external capsule.
- The observed brain edema and hemorrhages indicate severe central nervous system involvement.
- Potential contributing factors to the hemorrhage included heparinization during hemodialysis, metabolic acidosis, and formate toxicity.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe neurological damage, including brain edema and hemorrhage, from methanol poisoning.
- Neuroimaging is crucial for identifying the extent of brain injury in methanol intoxication.
- Understanding the mechanisms and imaging manifestations of methanol toxicity is vital for timely diagnosis and management.
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