A Case of Acute Tetrachloroethylene Poisoning Complicated by Acute Renal Failure / 대한신장학회잡지

ABSTRACT

Tetrachloroethylene is widely used as a solvent for degreasing operations and for dry cleaning. Accidental overexposure of tetrachloroethylene produces central nervous system depression which may be followed by hepatic and renal damage. Renal changes are usually mild and reversible with removal of the offending agent. The relationship between exposure to tetrachloroethylene and chronic renal failure remains controversial. Acute or subacute tetrachloroethylene poisoning has been occasionally observed in dry cleaners and fatal cases have been rarely reported. We experienced a case of acute tetrachloroethylene poisoning complicated by acute renal failure. After ingestion of 200 mL tetrachloroethylene, a 32- year-old man was admitted to the clinic in semicoma. Under the conservative treatment, the clinical condition of the patient improved consideravely, but acute renal failure developed. After 5 times hemodialysis during the admission, he recovered completely from acute renal failure.