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http://dx.doi.org/10.5762/KAIS.2018.19.11.421

Why did she lose her sight? A case of visual damage due to methanol inhalation  

Han, Sangsoo (Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital)
Shin, Hee-Jun (Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society / v.19, no.11, 2018 , pp. 421-425 More about this Journal
Abstract
Methanol is a clear, colorless, volatile, and poisonous liquid that is commonly used as an industrial solvent. Visual impairment is a common symptom of methanol poisoning; however, visual impairment rarely occurs after exposure through inhalation. Therefore, visual loss after methanol intoxication via respiration has rarely been reported. We report a case of visual damage associated with methanol poisoning via respiratory exposure in an industrial setting. In this case in South Korea, a 28-year-old woman who worked at a cell phone factory was admitted to the emergency department with mental changes. She had blurred vision that began two days prior, but she did not come to the hospital until she experienced mental changes. She ranked 9 on the Glasgow Coma Scale and presented with severe metabolic acidosis. So, she was admitted to intensive care, and continuous renal replacement therapy was performed. Finally, she was discharged after recovery of her mental state, but had to undergo rehabilitation for six months. Also, her visual impairment was permanent. Methanol intoxication can occur through inhalation, which is difficult to detect initially. However, treatment of methanol poisoning is time-critical. Therefore, doctors should always keep in mind that methanol intoxication may occur via respiration. If in doubt, treatment should be given as soon as possible.
Keywords
Methanol intoxication; Visual damage; Inhalation exposure; Occupational exposure; Ocular toxicology;
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