[Aniline-induced methemoglobinemia monitored by pulse oximetry]

A case of aniline-induced methemoglobinemia is reported. When the pulse oximeter reading (SpO2) was 80%, the oxygen saturation measured by a co-oximeter (SaO2) was 61.2%, the oxygen saturation calculated from PaO2 values was 98.9% and methemoglobin level was 38.8%. After methylene blue injection, methemoglobin level decreased gradually. With a decrease of methemoglobin level, SpO2 approached SaO2. If disparity between SpO2 and the oxygen saturation calculated from PaO2 values is noted, the presence of methemoglobinemia must be suspected. In clinical situations, the pulse oximeter permits the continuous noninvasive monitoring of oxygen saturation. It is necessary, however, to consider the potential errors in pulse oximetry.