Near-fatal methemoglobinemia after recreational inhalation of amyl nitrite aerosolized with a compressed gas blower
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
104
Journal Issue
11
Pages
856-859
Date Issued
2005
Author(s)
Abstract
Adverse effects associated with recreational inhalation of nitrites are usually mild and rarely life-threatening. We report a rare case of near-fatal methemoglobinemia after inhalation of amyl nitrite after aerosolizing the liquid using a compressed gas blower designed to clean photographic equipment that employed hydrofluoroalkane-134a as a propellant. A 31-year-old previously healthy male became dyspneic and fainted soon after the recreational inhalation of amyl nitrite aerosolized using a compressed gas blower. He was brought to the emergency department with severe cyanotic appearance and profound shock. Oxygen saturation was 82%, unresponsive to oxygen supply. His methemoglobin blood level was 52.2%. After 100 mg of methylene blue (2 mg/kg body weight) was administered intravenously, he recovered consciousness, and dyspnea and cyanosis subsided gradually. This case illustrates the extraordinary hazard of the use of a compressed gas blower in the recreational inhalation of nitrites. Prompt recognition and rapid antidotal treatment may adequately correct near-fatal overdose associated with recreational use of amyl nitrite.
SDGs
Other Subjects
amyl nitrite; methemoglobin; methylene blue; methylene blue; street drug; adult; aerosol; article; body weight; case report; consciousness; cyanosis; dyspnea; emergency ward; human; male; methemoglobinemia; oxygen saturation; oxygen supply; shock; chemically induced disorder; Adult; Aerosols; Amyl Nitrite; Humans; Male; Methemoglobinemia; Methylene Blue; Street Drugs
Type
journal article