Abstract
Topical benzocaine spray is an anesthetic agent that is commonly used during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This agent is believed to be relatively safe because of very low systemic absorption. We report a case of toxic methemoglobinemia induced by benzocaine use for pharyngeal anesthesia during TEE. Physicians who perform TEE and use benzocaine or other topical anesthetics need to be familiar with this potential complication and have the necessary treatment readily available.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 874-876 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1996 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine