Osmolar gap with minimal acidosis in combined methanol and methyl ethyl ketone ingestion

J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1994;32(1):79-84. doi: 10.3109/15563659409000434.

Abstract

Methyl ethyl ketone is a common solvent but data on overdose in humans are scarce. We report a case of co-ingestion of methyl ethyl ketone together with methanol associated with a hyperosmolar coma without anion gap metabolic acidosis. Blood levels of methyl ethyl ketone and its metabolite, 2-butanol, indicated that this solvent did contribute approximately 20 mosm/L to an observed osmolar gap of 99 mosm/L. At the levels detected, methyl ethyl ketone may have inhibited methanol metabolism, contributing to the low serum formate (1.3 mmol/L) and normal anion gap despite a blood methanol of 67 mmol/L.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis / chemically induced*
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Butanones / blood
  • Butanones / poisoning*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methanol / blood
  • Methanol / poisoning*
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Poisoning / physiopathology

Substances

  • Butanones
  • methylethyl ketone
  • Methanol