Transverse myelitis-like presentation of methanol intoxication: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Context: Methanol is the simplest member of alcohol family. However, it is an extremely toxic substance to humans upon exposure with severe and detrimental effects that range from visual loss to death. Spinal cord involvement in methanol intoxication is a rare occurrence.

Findings: In this article, we are reporting a case of methanol intoxication with extensive spinal cord involvement possibly due to necrosis. A literature review yielded only two cases of spinal cord involvement due to methanol intoxication. Our article is the first to discuss the spinal cord involvement specifically including interesting neuroimaging features.

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: We recommend performing MRI of the cervicothoracic spine in every methanol intoxication case to exclude both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of spinal cord involvement.

Keywords:

• Methanol intoxication
• Spinal cord
• Putaminal necrosis
• Putaminal hemorrhage
• Metabolic acidosis
• Transverse myelitis

ORCiD

Hussein Algahtani http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9484-9838

Bader Shirah http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6493-2155

Raafat Ahmad http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7111-0600