Isopropanol and isopropanol deaths-ten years' experience.

A population of persons who were found, at death, to have significant levels of isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) in their blood is described. The role of isopropanol in causing death is reviewed in 57 fatal cases. The contribution of acetone, the major metabolite of isopropanol, to death is assessed. Results indicate that mixed alcohol poisoning with ethanol and isopropanol suggests decreased production of acetone. Modalities for antemortem and postmortem detection of isopropanol are presented.