Methaemoglobinaemia secondary to the ingestion of sodium nitrite in mistake for common salt

摘要

A 67-year-old man was brought by ambulance to our emergency department with the presentation of sudden onset of change in consciousness, cyanosis and collapse 4h after eating the meal. Vital signs included a blood pressure of 140770mmHg, a pulse of 130beats/min, respiration of 35breaths/min, and a core temperature of 35.3 degC. Physical examination revealed a Glasgow coma score of 6 and a blue-grey discoloration of his skin, especially over his face and nail beds (Figs. 1 and 2). Pulse oximetry registered 73% on oxygen 15L/min by mask. Tracheal intubation was performed but his cyanosis still did not respond therapy with 100% oxygen.