J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol.  2009 Jun;7(1):32-37.

Esophageal Stricture and Acute Renal Failure after Formic Acid Poisoning: A Case Report

• Song KI

Abstract

Formic acid or formate is a common industrial compound used in the production of ensilage, disinfectants, decalcifying agents and mainly as a precursor in industrial chemical synthesis. It is also a well-known toxic metabolite produced in methanol poisoning. Thus, formate is a potential source of both accidental and deliberate poisoning. Very few reports have been published thus far, on the toxicology of direct formic acid poisoning. Here, we report a case of a 74-year-old man without a history of depression, who ingested about 30 gm of formic acid. The patient presented with profound high anion gap metabolic acidosis, acute renal failure and esophageal stricture. The patient was successfully treated with hemodialysis and supportive measures. But permanent esophageal stricture was complicated by formic acid burns in the gastrointestinal tract. We discuss the pathophysiology and treatment of this case.

Keyword

Formic acid; Acute kidney failure; Esophageal stenosis

MeSH Terms

Acid-Base Equilibrium
Acidosis
Acute Kidney Injury
Aged
Burns
Depression
Disinfectants
Esophageal Stenosis
Formates
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Methanol
Renal Dialysis
Toxicology
Disinfectants
Formates
Methanol