Hemolytic anemia and sulfhemoglobinemia due to phenacetin abuse: a case with multivisceral adverse effects.

The authors report a case of recurrent sulfhemoglobinemia resulting from a chronic abuse of phenacetin. Cyanosis was accompanied by hemolytic anemia and numerous features of tissue aging. While phenacetin was found to be the oxidizing drug, no source of sulfur was identified. The origin of sulfhemoglobinemia in man is discussed and the possible role of intraerythrocytic glutathione is emphasized.