Methemoglobinemia as an uncommon cause of cyanosis.
Cyanosis is usually caused by decreased arterial oxygen saturation due to pulmonary or cardiac diseases. Methemoglobinemia is a rare cause, sometimes with lethal outcome. Two patients are described, both with an unremarkable cardiopulmonary history, presented with severe cyanosis due to aniline-induced methemoglobinemia that developed at work. The symptoms and the treatment of methemoglobinemia are discussed.
Demirel
H
H
Department of Internal Medicine, Drechtsteden Ziekenhuis, AK Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
Koster
V S
VS
Koot
M J
MJ
Ponssen
H H
HH
van Vliet
A C
AC
D000328:Adult; D000814:Aniline Compounds / Q000506:poisoning*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D003490:Cyanosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D016877:Oxidants / Q000506:poisoning*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000814:Aniline Compounds; D016877:Oxidants; C023650:aniline; D008751:Methylene Blue