[Retrospective diagnosis of a coma in an infant]

A four month old baby presented one morning a quiet, hypotonic, areflexive coma without any signs of localization, which vanished without any sequelae. Hepatic cytolysis and an isolated proteinuria with a maximum at about three days after the initial neurological problems completed the picture. A new interview with the parents looking for a toxic cause revealed without any doubt poisoning by tetrachloro-ethylene. Following this particular case, the main signs of poisoning by halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons are recalled. One should always have in mind the possibility of poisoning at all ages, even with young babies.