Citation

Kim KJ, Park JG, Ryu HJ, Jung YS, Kim SH, Lee BR, Jung BC, Kang HJ. The Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine 2010; 176-181.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010)

DOI

10.4266/kjccm.2010.25.3.176

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Ethylene glycol is commonly incorporated into automotive antifreeze agents and a variety of other commercial products. Ethylene glycol poisoning can cause life-threatening metabolic acidosis, cardiopulmonary failure, and renal failure that may be fatal. We present an unusual case of a patient who ingested a large amount of ethylene glycol for the purpose of suicide and developed multiorgan damage, including acute renal failure followed by uremic pericarditis and cardiac tamponade. This unusual complication was effectively managed with echocardiography-guided percutaneous pericardiocentesis and continuous catheter drainage for 3 days. After intensive hemodialysis and supportive care, the patient made a good recovery with near normal cardiac and renal function. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade in cases of acute renal failure caused by ethylene glycol poisoning.

Language: en

Keywords

ethylene glycol; acute renal failure; cardiac tamponade; uremic pericarditis