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Indian Journal of Emergency Medicine 11(3):p 163-168, July -Sept 2025. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijem.2395.311X.11325.4
Case Report
Methemoglobinemia Masquerading as Supraventricular Tachycardia: Unveiling the Hidden Danger of Chronic Nitrate Toxicity
Vijay Kumar S.S, Muhammed Afsal K., Ananth Prasad Rao HT
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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Indian Journal of Emergency Medicine 11(3):p 163-168, July -Sept 2025. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijem.2395.311X.11325.4
How Cite This Article:
Muhammed Afsal K., Vijay Kumar S.S., Ananth Prasad Rao HT. Methemoglobinemia Masquerading as Supraventricular Tachycardia: Unveiling the Hidden Danger of Chronic Nitrate Toxicity. Ind J Emerg Med. 2025; 11(3): 163-168.Timeline
Received : March 20, 2025
Accepted : January 31, 2025
Published : September 30, 2025
Abstract
Methemoglobinemia, a condition characterized by the oxidation of hemoglobin to its ferric state, compromises oxygen delivery and can lead to life-threatening hypoxia. We present a case of a patient with refractory hypoxemia and cyanosis, ultimately diagnosed with methemoglobinemia and associated supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). While congenital cases are rare, acquired methemoglobinemia is frequently induced by medications and oxidant exposures. Our case underscores the importance of early recognition, as methemoglobinemia-induced hypoxia can precipitate severe cardiovascular complications. Prompt administration of methylene blue led to rapid clinical improvement, reinforcing its role as the firstline treatment. This case highlights the need for heightened clinical vigilance, thorough exposure history, and multidisciplinary management to optimize outcomes in methemoglobinemia-related emergencies.
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Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest.
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Cite this article
Muhammed Afsal K., Vijay Kumar S.S., Ananth Prasad Rao HT. Methemoglobinemia Masquerading as Supraventricular Tachycardia: Unveiling the Hidden Danger of Chronic Nitrate Toxicity. Ind J Emerg Med. 2025; 11(3): 163-168.
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| March 20, 2025 | January 31, 2025 | September 30, 2025 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijem.2395.311X.11325.4
Keywords
Methemoglobinemia;Supraventricular TachycardiaMethylene Blue;HypoxiaEmergency MedicineSearch for Similar Articles
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Timeline
| Received | March 20, 2025 |
| Accepted | January 31, 2025 |
| Published | September 30, 2025 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
