PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Keshav Chander AU - Carl J. Lavie AU - Hector O. Ventura AU - Richard V. Milani TI - Benzocaine Induced Methemoglobinemia: A Potentially Fatal Complication of Transesophageal Echocardiography DP - 2003 Mar 20 TA - Ochsner Journal PG - 34--35 VI - 5 IP - 2 4099 - http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/5/2/34.short 4100 - http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/5/2/34.full SO - Ochsner J2003 Mar 20; 5 AB - Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a relatively safe procedure with complications including bleeding, esophageal perforation, and respiratory failure being rare. One of our patients recently developed severe cyanosis despite pulse oximetry of 85% following TEE. This directs our attention to a rare, easily treatable, but potentially fatal complication of this procedure.