A case of severe poisoning with ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) after massive ingestion is described. Deep coma, metabolic acidosis, hypokalaemia, haemoglobinuria, oxaluria and a transitory rise in the serum creatinine level were observed. The elimination of the various metabolites butoxyacetic acid and oxalate was assessed in urine and a metabolic pattern for EGBE is suggested.