title: Ethanol poisoning together with organophosphate exposure: a difficult clinical diagnosis because of physician anchoring.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Organophosphorus pesticide poisoning occurs frequently in China and can be diagnosed easily based on the history of ingestion and the cholinergic toxic syndrome. Yet, when combined with other toxins, organophosphorus poisoning may appear different.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here, we present a case of acute ethanol poisoning together with a dermal organophosphorus exposure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on the history and a misinterpretation of the physical examination, the patient was treated as an organophosphorus poisoning. Ultimately, serum analysis helped clarify the diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Toxicologist should be aware of the error known as anchoring and take appropriate precautions to limit its occurrence.
authors.affiliation: The Emergency Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100730, China. billliyi@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xuezhong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Zhong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Houli
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004390:Chlorpyrifos / Q000506:poisoning; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D000431:Ethanol / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D062025:Organophosphate Poisoning; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol; D004390:Chlorpyrifos