RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Seizures and severe methaemoglobinaemia following accidental ingestion of amyl nitrite
JF BMJ Case Reports
JO BMJ Case Reports
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e259384
DO 10.1136/bcr-2023-259384
VO 17
IS 5
A1 Timmons, Patrick
YR 2024
UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/17/5/e259384.abstract
AB We present a case of a man in his late 40s presenting with generalised tonic-clonic seizures and profound methaemoglobinaemia shortly after inadvertent ingestion of amyl nitrite. Arterial blood gas analysis demonstrated methaemoglobin levels exceeding the upper detection threshold of our analyser, accompanied with profound cyanosis despite apparent oxygen saturations of 94%. Prompt administration of intravenous methylene blue led to a rapid and complete recovery. This case highlights the importance of swift recognition and treatment of methaemoglobinaemia particularly when the precipitating factor may be unknown at the time of presentation. This case also demonstrates the potential limitations of bedside blood gas analysers in diagnosis.