Spurious hypoxemia.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the pathophysiology and clinical implications of spurious hypoxemia in the setting of hyperleukocytosis.


METHODS
Case report and review of the literature.


METHODS
A 22-bed, adult neurosciences critical care unit at a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
A 49-yr-old male with chronic myelogenous leukemia.


METHODS
Administration of hydroxyurea and imatinib mesylate.


RESULTS
The patient was admitted to the neurosciences critical care unit with an acute nontraumatic subdural hematoma that required emergent surgical evacuation. His clinical course was notable for neurologic deterioration, sepsis, hyperleukocytosis, severe hypoxemia, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. An inverse relationship was observed between arterial oxygen tension and the magnitude of hyperleukocytosis. Hypoxemia resolved after the institution of chemotherapy and normalization of white cell count. Pulse oximeter saturation was normal throughout.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with hyperleukocytosis are at risk for severe hypoxemia, which may be real or spurious. Failure to recognize spurious hypoxemia can lead to unnecessary diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions, exposing patients to avoidable risk. A diagnostic algorithm is proposed.
Lele
Abhijit V
AV
Neurosciences Critical Care Division, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Mirski
Marek A
MA
Stevens
Robert D
RD
D000465:Algorithms; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000150:complications*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007964:Leukocytosis / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013922:Thrombocytosis / Q000150:complications