An unusual case of hypoxia from benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia.
Hypoxemia during bronchoscopy occurs frequently. It can usually be managed by supplemental oxygen and bronchodilators or, in some cases, occasionally stopping the procedure. Benzocaine spray is commonly used as a topical anesthetic agent during bronchoscopy. However, it has been associated with the development of methemoglobinemia. The following is a case report of hypoxia during bronchoscopy from benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia and its management.
Slaughter
M S
MS
Section of Thoracic Surgery, Christ Hospital and Medical Center, Oak Lawn, Illinois, USA.
Gordon
P J
PJ
Roberts
J C
JC
Pappas
P S
PS
D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000628:therapy
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D008751:Methylene Blue; D001566:Benzocaine