Abstract
We report a case of amyl nitrite ingestion associated with life-threatening methemoglobinemia. Therapeutic measures included ventilatory support and definitive pharmacologic therapy. After the diagnosis was made by spectrophotometric examination of arterial blood, the patient was treated with 2 mg/kg of methylene blue intravenously, with subsequent dramatic clinical improvement concomitant with the resolution of the methemoglobinemia. This picture of a catastrophic presentation and impressive response to therapy re-emphasizes the potential significance of methemoglobinemia, its recognition, and its treatment.
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