Diffusion-weighted imaging in methanol poisoning: beyond the lentiform fork sign

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Methanol poisoning presents as a severe, life-threatening condition.
• Characteristic neuroimaging findings can aid in diagnosis, though they may not be exclusive to methanol toxicity.

Observation:

• A case of a 38-year-old male with methanol poisoning presented with metabolic acidosis, coma, and visual disturbances.
• Initial CT scan was normal, but MRI revealed the lentiform fork sign.
• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) demonstrated specific changes within the lentiform nuclei.

Findings:

• The lentiform fork sign on MRI is a potential indicator of methanol poisoning.
• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) provides supplementary diagnostic information beyond standard MRI sequences.
• DWI highlights abnormalities in the basal ganglia, specifically the lentiform nuclei, in methanol toxicity.

Implications:

• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) enhances the diagnostic capabilities for methanol poisoning.
• Further research is warranted to establish the full predictive value of DWI in methanol toxicity.
• Integrating DWI into the neuroimaging protocol may improve early detection and management of methanol poisoning.