Methaemoglobinaemia presenting with status epilepticus

Abstract

A case is reported of methaemoglobinaemia presenting with recurrent fits in the absence of cyanosis. A low oxygen saturation measured on pulse oximetry that fails to improve with oxygen treatment, the presence of 'chocolate brown' blood that does not change on exposure to air, and a high PaO2 arterial blood gas with oxygen therapy should support such a diagnosis. A diagnostic blood methaemoglobin level should be obtained.