Mild manifestation of methanol poisoning half a day after massive ingestion of a fuel alcohol product containing 70% ethanol and 30% methanol: a case report

Abstract

CaseIs fomepizole necessary after massive ingestion of a mixture of methanol and ethanol? We report the case of a 37‐year‐old man who was transported to our Poison Center 12 h after ingesting 500 mL of fuel alcohol containing 70% methanol and 30% ethanol in a suicide attempt. On admission, he presented only with somnolence and mild metabolic acidosis. We hypothesized that most of the ethanol had been metabolized.OutcomeAs the estimated serum concentration of methanol was lethal (242.6 mg/dL), fomepizole was given i.v. and hemodialysis was carried out twice, resulting in complete recovery. Later, the serum concentrations of both methanol and ethanol on admission were found to be 224.1 and 0.51 mg/dL, respectively.ConclusionTherapeutic intervention was delayed by half a day after ingestion of a product containing methanol and ethanol in the present case. If the patient had arrived earlier, he may have only been treated with hemodialysis, but not fomepizole.

Cerebral Methanol Intoxication: A Case Report with Literature Review

“…The patients with MeOH intoxication presented to the emergency ward with multifarious complaints. Typical signs of MeOH intoxication included metabolic acidosis, central nervous system depression or sequelae, vision disturbances, or ocular changes caused by formic acid, a toxic metabolite of MeOH [8,10]. Symptoms can typically include dizziness, headache, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, impaired sensorium, weakness, hardness of movement, and blurring vision [1,2], as well as respiratory arrest [11], coma, and death in severe poisoning [6].…”

“…Based on pathogenesis mechanisms, methanol is metabolized to formaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase and then to formic acid with high toxicity (responsible for the systemic metabolic acidosis[the toxic effects and cause the increase of lactic acid]) by formaldehyde dehydrogenase in the hepatic using metabolic pathways. This conversion happens extremely fast, with a half-life of 1-2 minutes in humans [7,10,11,15]. In addition, the CNS is very sensitive to formic acid toxicity, which inhibits some oxidase systems like cytochrome oxidase, and blocks adenosine triphosphate production (ATP) in mitochondria, resulting in axonal cell death and cellular hypoxia, lactic acid reposition or lactate formation, and elevated academia [3,6,16].…”

Severe visual loss caused by inhalational methanol poisoning in fireworks production: A report on 3 cases

“…All three patients had an occupational exposure history of high doses of methanol over a short period. Additionally, all patients presented with typical signs and symptoms of methanol poisoning, including severe metabolic acidosis, visual abnormalities, and central nervous system disorder caused by formic acid following methanol metabolism 9 . Central nervous system damage after methanol intoxication is often manifested as headache, convulsion, delirium, lethargy, seizures, and coma.…”

Development of Methanol Sensor Based on Sol-Gel Drop-Coating Co3O4·CdO·ZnO Nanoparticles Modified Gold-Coated µ-Chip by Electro-Oxidation Process

“…It is a vital raw material in the production of glycol, olefins, formaldehyde, pesticides, etc., and is also noteworthy for use in direct methanol fuel cells [ 3 ]. However, the excessive use of MeOH can affect the environment, and even cause death, particularly in alcoholic beverages [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Therefore, it is essential to develop efficient techniques to detect MeOH accurately [ 7 ].…”