Toxic methemoglobinemia: a rare but serious complication of transesophageal echocardiography

Can J Cardiol. 1998 Sep;14(9):1157-60.

Abstract

Cyanosis occurring during a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is usually related to the respiratory depressant effect of the administered sedative. However, acute toxic methemoglobinemia related to topical benzocaine is a rare and not well recognized but potentially life threatening cause of cyanosis during or after TEE. A case of this condition is presented and the literature on its frequency, diagnosis and management is briefly reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthetics, Local / adverse effects
  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / adverse effects*
  • Benzocaine / adverse effects
  • Cyclosporine / toxicity
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / chemically induced
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Methemoglobinemia / diagnosis
  • Methemoglobinemia / etiology*
  • Methemoglobinemia / microbiology
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Cyclosporine
  • Benzocaine