Atypical presentations of methemoglobinemia from benzocaine spray

Hawaii Med J. 2011 Jun;70(6):125-6.

Abstract

Widely used for local anesthesia, especially prior to endoscopic procedures, benzocaine spray is one of the most common causes of iatrogenic methemoglobinemia. The authors report an atypical case of methemoglobinemia in a woman presenting with pale skin and severe hypoxemia, after a delayed repeat exposure to benzocaine spray. Early recognition and prompt management of methemoglobinemia is needed in order to lessen morbidity and mortality from this entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Local / adverse effects*
  • Benzocaine / adverse effects*
  • Cyanosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methemoglobinemia / chemically induced*
  • Methemoglobinemia / diagnosis
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Rectal Prolapse / surgery
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Benzocaine