Congenital methemoglobinemia and successful one-lung ventilation: a case report

Congenital methemoglobinemia occurs when red blood cells contain levels of methemoglobin greater than 1%. This rare condition may result from abnormally formed hemoglobin (MetHb), or impaired or absent reducing enzyme... [ view full abstract ]

Congenital methemoglobinemia occurs when red blood cells contain levels of methemoglobin greater than 1%. This rare condition may result from abnormally formed hemoglobin (MetHb), or impaired or absent reducing enzyme activity.  We report a case of uncomplicated CABG with one-lung ventilation in a 60 year-old-man with congenital methemoglobinemia.  Proper anesthetic management of patients with this dyscrasia requires an understanding of its pathophysiology, with recognition and preparedness for potential complications of decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.