Esophageal Stricture and Acute Renal Failure after Formic Acid Poisoning: - A Case Report -

식도협착과 급성신부전이 합병된 개미산 중독 1례

  • Song, Kyung-Il (Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine)
  • 송경일 (울산대학교 의과대학 강릉아산병원 내과)
  • Published : 2009.06.12

Abstract

Formic acid or formate is a common industrial compound used in the production of ensilage, disinfectants, decalcifying agents and mainly as a precursor in industrial chemical synthesis. It is also a well-known toxic metabolite produced in methanol poisoning. Thus, formate is a potential source of both accidental and deliberate poisoning. Very few reports have been published thus far, on the toxicology of direct formic acid poisoning. Here, we report a case of a 74-year-old man without a history of depression, who ingested about 30 gm of formic acid. The patient presented with profound high anion gap metabolic acidosis, acute renal failure and esophageal stricture. The patient was successfully treated with hemodialysis and supportive measures. But permanent esophageal stricture was complicated by formic acid burns in the gastrointestinal tract. We discuss the pathophysiology and treatment of this case.

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