Methemoglobinemia revisited: an important complication after transesophageal echocardiography.
Methemoglobinemia induced by the use of benzocaine-containing topical anesthetics is a rare, but potentially lethal complication after transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We report a patient who developed methemoglobinemia after TEE. A review of the literature was performed and the majority of cases of benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia reported thus far have occurred in patients undergoing TEE, endotracheal intubation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and bronchoscopy. All of these procedures have become more frequent than before, and there is a need to reemphasize the potential problem and to reconsider the need for further use of topical anesthetics.
Tsigrelis
Constantine
C
Department of Internal Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, One Robert Wood Johnson Place, MEB 486, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA. tsigreco@umdnj.edu
Weiner
Leonard
L
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D001566:Benzocaine