Methanol poisoning: characteristic MRI findings

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Acute methanol intoxication is a common poisoning with potential for severe neurological sequelae.
• Alcoholic patients presenting with altered sensorium may have various causes, including hypoglycemia, carbon monoxide poisoning, or head injury.

Observation:

• Neuroimaging, particularly Magnetic Resonance (MR) brain imaging, is vital for distinguishing methanol poisoning from other conditions in alcoholic patients.
• This case presented a wide range of MRI findings consistent with methanol poisoning.

Findings:

• The hallmark MRI finding in methanol poisoning is bilateral putaminal hemorrhagic necrosis.
• Other observed lesions included white matter abnormalities, cortical and midbrain lesions, and cerebral/intraventricular hemorrhage.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis through neuroimaging aids in managing methanol poisoning and understanding its neurological impact.
• The spectrum of MRI findings can correlate with the neurological course and prognosis of methanol intoxication.