Acute tubular necrosis after inhalation exposure to methylene chloride. Report of a case.

Nephrotoxic reaction occurred after inhalation exposure to methylene chloride. This exposure is associated with acute renal failure, myoglobinuria, hypocomplementemia, and liver enzyme elevations. Pathologic specimens, both light and electron microscopic, demonstrate renal tubular damage. We conclude that methylene chloride may have potential as both a hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic agent when inhaled at high concentrations over an extended period of time.