Double gaps metabolic acidosis and bilateral basal ganglion lesions in methanol intoxication

Bilateral symmetrical basal ganglia infarction after intravenous use of cocaine and heroin

A case is reported of a young man who developed bilateral symmetrical basal ganglia infarcts after intravenous use of cocaine and heroin. Ischemic infarcts of the brain are a known complication of to cocaine use, alone or in combination with heroin (speed balling). This symmetrical occurrence of infarction, however, is unusual and has not been reported after cocaine use.

MR enhancing brain lesions in methanol intoxication

Methanol intoxication can cause necrosis of the putamen and subcortical white matter that is evident on neuroimaging. We report a 47-year-old man with significant methanol intoxication who had enhancing lesions in the caudate nuclei, putamina, hypothalamus, and subcortical white matter by MRI. This case demonstrates that contrast enhancement of brain lesions can be observed after methanol poisoning.