Three acute severe methemoglobinemia cases

Abstract

Methemoglobinemia is an uncommon but important complication associated with the use of chemicals and some drugs. Normal values of SaO2 together with cyanosis that doesn't respond to high concentrations of O2 support and high blood methemoglobin levels measurements should be thought as important data for the diagnosis of methemoglobinemia. We described three cases of methemoglobinemia. The first one was induced with aniline, while the second with prilocaine and the third with an unknown etiology. We reviewed the pathophysiology of methemoglobinemia and the cases were discussed in detail regarding early diagnosis and therapeutical approach.