Ethanol poisoning together with organophosphate exposure: a difficult clinical diagnosis because of physician anchoring.
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.
Li
Yi
Y
The Emergency Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100730, China. billliyi@yahoo.com
Yu
Xuezhong
X
Wang
Zhong
Z
Wang
Houli
H
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
D000431:Ethanol; D004390:Chlorpyrifos