Putaminal infarct in methanol intoxication: case report and role of brain imaging studies

Methanol toxicity can cause severe central nervous system insult in which a characteristic pattern of bilateral putaminal injury is noted on brain imaging studies. We present a fatal case of subacute methanol toxicity with associated diffuse brain involvement, including bilateral putaminal necrosis and cerebral edema with ventricular compression. Theoretical basal ganglia toxicologic mechanisms of methanol poisoning are reviewed, and the role of brain imaging studies will regard to diagnosis, prognosis and impact on management is discussed.