Carbon monoxide poisoning: a clinical case report

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious yet frequently overlooked condition with diverse and nonspecific clinical presentations. The analysis of Lithuanian statistics reveals fluctuations in patient admissions and consultations through the poisoning center over a four-year period, with notable variations in fatality rates. Despite these trends, CO poisoning remains a significant public health concern due to its potential for severe long-term sequelae or death.

This case report focuses on two distinct presentations of CO poisoning in a young couple, illustrating the varied manifestations and outcomes of this toxic exposure. The first case describes a 23-year-old male presenting with altered consciousness and neurological symptoms, while the second case involves a 21-year-old pregnant female presenting with cardiovascular symptoms, including Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Highlights include the challenges in diagnosing CO poisoning; factors influencing the severity and symptoms of CO poisoning; potential complications; and considerations for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in severe cases and pregnancy.

These cases illustrate the importance of recognizing CO poisoning, advocating for oxygen therapy as the first-line treatment, and calling for further research to improve understanding, treatment, and prevention of this potentially fatal condition.