A case of methyl alcohol intoxication developing through skin contact

Authors : Faruk Yıldız, Pervin Hancı, Volkan İnal

Pages : 118-121

Doi:10.33706/jemcr.1676824

View : 73 | Download : 48

Publication Date : 2025-09-30

Article Type : Other Papers

Abstract :Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can lead to high-anion gap metabolic acidosis, visual impairment, and CNS depression. While ingestion is the most common route, toxicity may also occur via dermal absorption, especially with prolonged exposure. A 71-year-old male with diabetes and coronary artery disease presented with sudden bilateral vision loss after repeated dermal application of a methanol-containing solution for joint pain. On arrival, he was disoriented and completely blind. Arterial blood gas showed severe metabolic acidosis (pH 6.9) with elevated anion gap and lactate. Fundoscopic examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema. Due to the unavailability of fomepizole and serum methanol measurement, intravenous ethanol was administered, and hemodialysis was initiated. Despite correction of the metabolic acidosis, the patient developed irreversible cortical blindness. This case highlights dermal methanol absorption as a rare but serious cause of systemic toxicity. Emergency physicians should consider methanol poisoning in patients with visual symptoms and unexplained metabolic acidosis, even in the absence of ingestion history. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to prevent permanent complications.
Keywords : Metanol Zehirlenmesi, yoğun bakım ünitesi, toksikoloji, cilt maruziyeti

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