Fisher M A, Henry D, Gillam L, Chen C
Department of Echocardiography, Hartford Hospital, University of Connecticut 06102-5037, USA.
Can J Cardiol. 1998 Sep;14(9):1157-60.
Cyanosis occurring during a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is usually related to the respiratory depressant effect of the administered sedative. However, acute toxic methemoglobinemia related to topical benzocaine is a rare and not well recognized but potentially life threatening cause of cyanosis during or after TEE. A case of this condition is presented and the literature on its frequency, diagnosis and management is briefly reviewed.
