Methemoglobinemia as a result of accidental lacquer thinner poisoning.

Abstract

Lacquer thinner, commonly used for removing household paints, is known to contain a mixture of various aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons and naptha; if ingested, it may cause methemoglobinemia. We report two cases who presented to us with a history of accidental ingestion of paint thinner. Both the patients had very high levels of methemoglobin and were treated with methylene blue (MB), but did not respond to the MB therapy. One of them received an exchange transfusion followed again by MB and survived. Unfortunately the other patient succumbed to the poisoning.

• Authors: Ranju Singh, Stalin Vinayagam, Homay Vajifdar
• Journal: Indian journal of critical care medicine : peer-reviewed, official publication of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (Indian J Crit Care Med) Vol. 16 Issue 1 Pg. 44-7 (Jan 2012) ISSN: 1998-359X [Electronic] India
• PMID: 22557834 (Publication Type: Case Reports)