Progressive parkinsonism in a young experimental physicist following long-term exposure to methanol.
A case is described of an experimental physicist who developed parkinsonism, apparently as delayed toxic effect of long exposure to vapors of methanol in the laboratory. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) supported the diagnosis, after exclusion of hereditary diseases and primary degenerative diseases. Screening for heavy metals in urine and plasma ceruloplasmin was negative. This case illustrates the neurotoxic delayed effect of long-term exposure to methanol with no episodes of acute intoxication. The setting of a research laboratory with prolonged exposure to mixed single crystals and inhalation of methanol vapors may exist in other academic and hi-tech environments, and pose the risk of similar delayed toxic influences.
Finkelstein
Yoram
Y
Department of Neurology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Jerusalem, Israel. yfinkel@md2.huji.ac.il
Vardi
Jacob
J
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D000432:Methanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010302:Parkinson Disease, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014202:Tremor / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology
D012997:Solvents; D000432:Methanol