Fatal Propanil Pesticide Poisoning Presenting with Methemoglobinemia.
- Author:
Seon Hee WOO
1
;
Byung Hak SO
;
Kyoung Ho CHOI
;
Kyu Nam PARK
;
Won Jae LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. sohak@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Propanil;
Poisoning;
Methemoglobinemia;
Methylene blue
- MeSH:
Consciousness;
Delayed Diagnosis;
Dizziness;
Headache;
Humans;
Methemoglobin;
Methemoglobinemia*;
Methylene Blue;
Middle Aged;
Poisoning*;
Propanil*;
Seizures
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2006;17(3):268-272
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Acute propanil pesticide poisoning is rare and propanil is known to have a low toxicity. Propanil metabolite induces the conversion of Fe2+ in hemoglobin to Fe3+, forming methemoglobin. Patients with low metHb levels are asymptomatic, but severe methemoglobinemia produces headache, dizziness, decreased consciousness, convulsion, and death. Thus, delayed diagnosis in patients with severe methemoglobinemia can be lethal. We describe the case of a 60-year-old man who died of acute propanil pesticide poisoning. He presented with severe methemoglobinemia. Early methylene blue therapy is recommended for propanil pesticide poisoning patients with symptoms and signs of methemoglobinemia.
