Methemoglobinemia in a Case of Paint Thinner Intoxication, Treated Successfully with Vitamin C

The role of vitamin C in the treatment of methemoglobinemia has not been well established, with only a few published case reports. This patient had severe methemoglobinemia, with MetHb of 46.4%, which responded dramatically to vitamin C therapy, with no side effects. This case shows that high-dose vitamin C is safe and has the potential to be an effective alternative for the treatment of severe methemoglobinemia. In the presence of cyanosis, mismatch of pulse-oximetry and ABG-analysis are the key for the physician to suspect methemoglobinemia.