Arteriolization of venous blood gases: a clue to the diagnosis of cyanide poisoning.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of cyanide poisoning is essential for a successful therapeutic outcome. We present a patient with acute cyanide poisoning in whom venous blood gases disclosed an abnormally high pO2. Prompt treatment of the patient with the cyanide antidote, sodium nitrite plus sodium thiosulfate, rapidly reversed the cardiovascular and central nervous system manifestations of cyanide toxicity. The pathogenesis of cyanide-induced blood gas abnormalities and their potential value in the recognition of cyanide intoxication are discussed. Current treatment recommendations for cyanide poisoning are also reviewed.