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Methanol intoxication: pathological changes of central nervous system (17 cases)

Ferah Karayel1, Arzu A Turan, Aydin Sav

  • 1Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. ferahkarayel@mynet.com

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Methanol intoxication frequently causes central nervous system damage, including cerebral edema and petechial bleeding. Autopsy findings in 17 cases revealed significant brain lesions, highlighting the neurotoxicity of methanol.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropathology
  • Forensic Medicine
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • The central nervous system (CNS) is particularly vulnerable to methanol intoxication.
  • Methanol poisoning often results from the consumption of illicit alcohol.
  • Understanding the neuropathological consequences is crucial for forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spectrum of CNS lesions associated with methanol intoxication.
  • To analyze autopsy findings in cases of fatal methanol poisoning.
  • To correlate observed lesions with survival times and potential contributing factors.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 17 autopsy cases with confirmed methanol intoxication.
  • Detailed examination of neuropathological findings in the brain.
  • Documentation of lesion types, locations, and frequencies.

Main Results:

  • Cerebral edema (47%) and petechial hemorrhages in the cortex, basal ganglia, and pons (53%) were common.
  • Hemorrhagic necrosis occurred in the thalamus, putamen, globus pallidus (29.4%), and cerebral cortex (17.6%).
  • Herniation (17.6%) and pontine bleeding (11.7%) were observed in some cases; chronic alcoholism findings were noted in 41%.

Conclusions:

  • Methanol intoxication leads to a range of severe CNS lesions, including edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis.
  • The observed neuropathology underscores the high neurotoxic potential of methanol.
  • Forensic autopsy is critical for identifying these characteristic lesions in cases of suspected methanol poisoning.

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