Question: What are the MRI findings consistent with severe methanol toxicity?
Answer: The cited reference notes “Methanol directly affects the putamen of the basal ganglia. With severe intoxication, both hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic damage of the putamen occur commonly. This was described initially in 1953, and clinically results in a parkinsonian-like disorder such as dystonia, cog-wheeling, stooped posture, shuffling gait, and hypokinesis. The predilection for and mechanism of toxicity to the putamen are not understood. Cases of axonal polyneuropathy and anterior horn cell loss in association with chronic exposure have been reported. At CT and MRI, methanol toxicity results in putamen hemorrhage or necrosis and diffuse cerebral edema and petechial hemorrhages.” (Anderson JC. Et al. Basal ganglia: Anatomy, pathology and imaging characteristics. 2004 Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 33: 28-41)