Hyperbaric oxygen for methylene chloride poisoning: report on two cases.

Two cases of methylene chloride poisoning treated with hyperbaric oxygen are presented and discussed. Both patients were found unconscious in an occupational setting. Carboxyhemoglobin level determination and neuropsychological evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of carbon monoxide intoxication subsequent to methylene chloride exposure. The serial carboxyhemoglobin levels and Carbon Monoxide Neuropsychological Screening Battery scores obtained from these patients suggest that toxicity from methylene chloride-derived carbon monoxide responds well to treatment with hyperbaric oxygen.