title: Atypical presentations of methemoglobinemia from benzocaine spray.
abstract: Widely used for local anesthesia, especially prior to endoscopic procedures, benzocaine spray is one of the most common causes of iatrogenic methemoglobinemia. The authors report an atypical case of methemoglobinemia in a woman presenting with pale skin and severe hypoxemia, after a delayed repeat exposure to benzocaine spray. Early recognition and prompt management of methemoglobinemia is needed in order to lessen morbidity and mortality from this entity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, 96813, USA. ekamol@hawaii.edu
authors.forename: Ekamol
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tantisattamo
authors.forename: Nuntra
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Suwantarat
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Vierra
authors.forename: Samuel J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Evans
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003490:Cyanosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D001566:Benzocaine