Presentation
Progressive decrease level of consciousness, weakness and blurred vision.
Patient Data
There is evidence of bilateral symmetrical low attenuation at both putamens with high attenuation putaminal foci consistent with hemorrhage. The post-contrast study demonstrates intense marginal contrast enhancement indicating blood-brain barrier damage. Appearances are consistent with acute putaminal necrosis due to methanol toxicity.
Case Discussion
The patient clinical condition starts after proven oral ingestion of a large amount of methanol and the findings are attributed to putaminal toxic necrosis due to methanol neurotoxicity.
Unlike ethanol, methanol is highly toxic and not proper for consumption. Methanol is usually present in industrial solvents, cleaning products and antifreeze liquids.