Unexplained decrease in measured oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry following injection of Lymphazurin 1% (isosulfan blue) during a lymphatic mapping procedure

A rare case of alteration in measured pulse oximetry during a lymphatic mapping procedure for cervical carcinoma is reported. Over a 5‐min period following injection of perilesional Lymphazurin 1% dye (3 ml total), a profound pulse oximetry desaturation was observed. Concomitant arterial blood gas determinations confirmed patient's well‐being. Interaction of this agent's absorptive spectroscopy and wavelengths used to measure oxygen saturation by commercial pulse oximetry devices is suspected. J. Surg. Oncol. 1999;70:126–129. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.