[Contribution to the problem of acute methanol poisoning]

The thanatological problem of acute methanol intoxications, similarly as the method of laboratory assessment, are urgent issues. Absolute levels of methanol concentration in blood are from the aspect of prognosis and lethal course resp. less important than the pH of blood and the value of the "base excess" [BE] on the one hand and cerebral oedema on the other hand. In 33 cases of acute methanol poisoning [including 12 fatal ones] the authors recorded survival at a maximum methanol blood concentration of 2.59 0/00 with pH values of 7.27 and BE -14, while death occurred already at a concentration of 0.70 0/00, pH 6.86 and BE -20.2. The authors consider pH values below 7.0 with BE values below -20 as critical. To concurrent administration of ethanol, even if administered on therapeutic grounds, due attention must be devoted. For detection and assessment of methanol in the blood stream and other biological fluids gas chromatography, "head space" technique, and diethyl ketone as an internal standard proved most useful. The authors demonstrate macroscopic and microscopic findings in organs of the deceased patients.