Acquired Methemoglobinaemia

Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2012, Vol 12, Issue 2

Abstract

Acquired methemoglobinaemia is a relatively rare condition and, therefore infrequently encountered in acute medical practice. Suspicion of the condition may be triggered when the measured PaO2 is ‘out of keeping’ with the oxygen saturations that are discovered with pulse oximetry. We describe two separate cases of acquired methemoglobinaemia secondary to the recreational use of alkyl nitrites (’poppers’). Te patients presented at separate times to two different teaching hospitals in London, UK. Te similarity of these cases has led the authors to conclude that a raised awareness of this potentially fatal condition, and its association with a widely-available recreational drug, is necessary to ensure a correct and timely diagnosis.

Authors and Affiliations

Adil Al-Lawati| Te Royal London Hospital, London, UK, Nick Murch| Te Royal Free Hospital, London, UK

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP14226
  • DOI -
  • Views 292
  • Downloads 8

How To Cite

Adil Al-Lawati, Nick Murch (2012). Acquired Methemoglobinaemia. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 12(2), 237-241. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-14226