Management of Congenital Methemoglobinemia in the Perioperative Setting: A Case Report and Review of Current Literature

Methemoglobin is an altered state of hemoglobin where iron in hemoglobin is oxidized and incapable of binding oxygen; leading to complications such as cyanosis, dyspnea, headache, and heart failure. Methemoglobinemia can be congenital or acquired. Congenital methemoglobinemia is a rare disease and its worldwide incidence is unclear. We recently encountered the first documented case of congenital methemoglobinemia at our institution, necessitating perioperative care. In the present case, a 22-year-old man with congenital methemoglobinemia underwent general anesthesia for dental extraction. The surgeon was informed to avoid local anesthetics and oxygenation was performed with FiO of 1.0. Arterial blood gas analysis showed a PH of 7.337, PaO of 302 mm Hg, PaCO of 44 mm Hg, oxyhemoglobin level of 63.4%, and methemoglobin level of 37.8%. The patient had a stable course. No methylene blue therapy was required, although cyanosis was observed during surgery. In summary, though rare, congenital methemoglobinemia poses fatal risks during surgery. Its management involves preoperative recognition and optimization, oxygenation status, multidisciplinary care, avoiding precipitating or oxidizing agents, discussing treatment options, maintaining cardiopulmonary stability, and ensuring perioperative safety measures with the medical team.