Abstract
Outpatient transesophageal echocardiography was performed in a 69-year- old man with a history of aortic valve repair. During the procedure the patient became markedly cyanotic and hypotensive. Oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry decreased from 97% to the mid-80s. The man's condition continued to deteriorate. On transfer to a critical care unit, blood analysis by co-oximetry showed methemoglobin saturation of 67.8%. The patient's condition improved significantly after intravenous administration of methylene blue 1 mg/kg. With increasing numbers of outpatient procedures performed under topical anesthesia, measures should be in place to deal with a potential life-threatening adverse event such as methemoglobinemia.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 735-738 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Pharmacotherapy |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 6 I |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2000 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Pharmacology (medical)