Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to examine the clinical and imaging manifestations of methanol toxicity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to review existing studies on this topic. The most common cause of methanol intoxication is methanol-adulterated liquor. The primary metabolite of methanol, formic acid, is responsible for pathological changes. Symptoms typically present within 6–24 h of consumption and can include visual disturbances, acute neurological symptoms, and gastrointestinal issues. During the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic, methanol poisoning cases increased significantly.
Methods
In this study, We present six different patients with methanol intoxication and their clinical and imaging features.
Results
In the literature review, the most common clinical presentation was loss of consciousness and obtundation and the other was vision loss. CT scan findings showed bilateral putaminal necrosis and hemorrhage in 55% of methanol toxicity patients.
Conclusion
Methanol intoxication, causing bilateral putaminal involvement and a 50% mortality rate in intracerebral hemorrhage patients, warrants urgent toxicological analysis due to potential putaminal hemorrhage.
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Acknowledgements
The authors express their sincere appreciation to their esteemed colleagues at the Clinical Research Development Unit, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, for their invaluable collaboration and support.
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The family of patient had provided written informed consent to publish her case (including publication of images and genetic tests). The approval of our work was issued by the ethics committee for research at the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (AJUMS).
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Safari, H., Ajudani, R., Savaie, M. et al. Intracerebral hemorrhage in methanol toxicity patients during COVID-19 pandemic: case report and review of literature. Forensic Toxicol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-023-00680-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-023-00680-y