Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia: a potentially fatal complication of transesophageal echocardiography.
We describe the cases of 2 patients who developed benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia after the administration of benzocaine as premedication for transesophageal echocardiography. The use of intravenous methylene blue resolved the cyanosis in both patients. Physicians who perform procedures involving the application of topical anesthesia need to be aware of this side effect to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Sachdeva
Rajesh
R
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06610, USA.
Pugeda
Jaime G
JG
Casale
Linda R
LR
Meizlish
Jay L
JL
Zarich
Stuart W
SW
D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D001566:Benzocaine