Methaemoglobinaemia presenting with status epilepticus.
A case is reported of methaemoglobinaemia presenting with recurrent fits in the absence of cyanosis. A low oxygen saturation measured on pulse oximetry that fails to improve with oxygen treatment, the presence of "chocolate brown" blood that does not change on exposure to air, and a high PaO2 arterial blood gas with oxygen therapy should support such a diagnosis. A diagnostic blood methaemoglobin level should be obtained.
Malhotra
R
R
Department of Accident and Emergency, Bristol Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom.
Hughes
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000680:Amyl Nitrite / Q000506:poisoning*; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D062787:Drug Overdose; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010092:Oximetry; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000931:Antidotes; D000680:Amyl Nitrite; D008751:Methylene Blue