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Updated: Aug 31, 2025

Direct Detection of the Acetate-forming Activity of the Enzyme Acetate Kinase
Published on: December 19, 2011
Elevated Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis With High Osmolar Gap and Increased Serum Acetone Level: A Case Report
Debargha Basuli1, Sasmit Roy2,3
1Internal Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, USA.
Abstract:
Acetone poisoning, although not very common, can present with varied signs and symptoms. High acetone levels in serum can be due to exogenous exposure or endogenous production of acetone. Unlike certain alcohol toxicities, acetone does not cause high anion gap metabolic acidosis. A 69-year-old male presented to our service with shock and acute encephalopathy and required intensive care support. Initial laboratory investigation showed high anion gap metabolic acidosis with high osmolar gap. Serum acetone level was elevated. Clinicians need to be aware of how to elucidate such metabolic disturbances and associated toxicities.
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