Serious intoxication after inhaling methanol
Van Kampen, R.J.W.; Krekels, M.M.E.; Derijks, H.J.; Peters, F.P.J.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 150(23): 1298-1302
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 16821455 Document Number: 602994
A 38-year-old man presented with severe methanol intoxication after inhaling methanol over a period of 36 hours in a poorly-ventilated laboratory. He complained of visual disturbances, mild photophobia, hyperventilation and nausea. Laboratory results showed severe metabolic acidosis with a toxic serum-methanol level. He was treated by acute haemodialysis and ethanol infusions. After 9 hours of haemodialysis the serum-methanol value fell below toxic levels. Therapy resulted in the complete disappearance of symptoms and he was able to leave the intensive-care unit 24 hours after presentation. Often, late presentation is a cause of serious morbidity and even mortality in severe methanol intoxication, so early recognition is essential. This is the first published case of methanol intoxication due to inhalation, which is as serious and requires the same treatment as ingestion of methanol.