Autonomic dysfunction as a delayed sequelae of acute ethylene glycol ingestion : a case report and review of the literature

J Med Toxicol. 2012 Jun;8(2):124-9. doi: 10.1007/s13181-011-0195-x.

Abstract

Ethylene glycol poisoning is a common form of poisoning worldwide. The clinical course of ethylene glycol poisoning usually follows a three-stage progression, although these stages may overlap. A fourth stage of delayed neurological dysfunction consisting of cranial neuropathies has been suggested in several case reports. We describe a patient with unique findings of postural hypotension and gastroparesis following ethylene glycol toxicity with the additional uncommon features of albuminocytologic dissociation and increased intracranial pressure with papilledema. In addition, we provide a review of the literature on delayed neurological manifestations in ethylene glycol toxicity and further elucidate a description of a fourth stage of delayed neurological dysfunction following ethylene glycol poisoning.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Ethylene Glycol / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Ethylene Glycol