Heinz body haemolytic anaemia after sniffing volatile nitrites

Two cases are reported of Heinz body haemolytic anaemia after the sniffing of amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite for protracted periods. Nitrites are powerful oxidizing agents which are recognized to cause haemoglobin to be oxidized to methaemoglobin. One patient developed a symptomatic anaemia and also splenomegaly. Other possible causes of Heinz body formation were ruled out by the appropriate tests.