Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia--two case reports related to transesophageal echocardiography premedication

R T Ho; T Nanevicz; R Yee; V M Figueredo

doi:10.1023/a:1007778002540

Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia--two case reports related to transesophageal echocardiography premedication

Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 1998 Jul;12(3):311-2. doi: 10.1023/a:1007778002540.

Authors

R T Ho¹, T Nanevicz, R Yee, V M Figueredo

Affiliation

¹ Division of Cardiology, San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center, University of California, USA.

PMID: 9784912
DOI: 10.1023/a:1007778002540

Abstract

Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia is a potentially life-threatening complication. We report two cases of methemoglobinemia due to topical benzocaine spray used as premedication for transesophageal echocardiography. A high index of suspicion is needed for this readily treatable condition.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Administration, Oral
Anesthetics, Local / adverse effects*
Benzocaine / adverse effects*
Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
Female
Humans
Methemoglobinemia / chemically induced*
Middle Aged
Premedication / adverse effects*

Substances

Anesthetics, Local
Benzocaine