Incidental methemoglobinemia detected in a case of severe mitral stenosis with moderate pulmonary hypertension posted for mitral valve replacement. -a case report

Dr Kayalvizhi K B; Dr Kalaivani Nadar; Dr L Parthasarathy; DA; Poovarasu

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

Incidental methemoglobinemia detected in a case of severe mitral stenosis with moderate pulmonary hypertension posted for mitral valve replacement. -a case report

Dr Kayalvizhi K B, Dr Kalaivani Nadar, Dr L Parthasarathy, Da, Poovarasu

Abstract :

Perioperative methemoglobinemia is overlooked as a cause for low oxygen saturation. Especially in a cardiac patient posted for valve replacement, the commonest cause for decreased oxygen saturation will be thought as pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary edema. Other factors like methemoglobinemia can also be a causative factor. Hence a high degree of suspicion is required to investigate uncommon causes of low oxygen saturation. A co oximeter is very valuable in these cases