Metahemoglobinemia secundaria a inhalación de "poppers": caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Methemoglobinemia secondary to amyl nitrite inhalation. A case report and literature review

RESUMEN

El nitrito de amilo, conocida como "poppers", se ha masificado como droga recreacional en parte por sus efectos con objetivos sexuales. Su consumo se asocia a complicaciones psiquiátricas y médicas. Reportamos el caso de un paciente que se presenta con metahemog-lobinemia moderada secundaria a la inhalación de nitrito de amilo asociado a alcohol. Al ingreso presenta cianosis peribucal y en extremidades, disociación entre oximetría de pulso y presión parcial de oxígeno en gases arteriales, además de metahemoglobinemia 29,9%. Se descartan otras intoxicaciones y causas primarias de metahemoglobinemia. Se maneja con oxigenoterapia, hidratación y ácido ascórbico, presentando una evolución favorable. Presentamos el primer caso en Chile de metahemoglobinemia secundaria al consumo de nitrito de amilo con fines recreativos.

ABSTRACT

Amyl nitrite, known as "poppers", has become popular as a recreational drug for sexual purposes. Its consumption is associated with psychiatric and medical complications. We report the case of a patient presenting with moderate methemoglobinemia secondary to amyl nitrite inhalation associated with alcohol. At admission, perioral and extremities cyanosis, a dissociation between pulse oximetry and partial pressure of oxygen in arterial gases, and methemoglobinemia 29.9% were present. Other intoxications and primary causes of methemoglobinemia were ruled out. The patient receives oxygen therapy, hydration, and ascorbic acid, presenting a favorable evolution. We report the first Chilean's case of methemoglobinemia secondary to amyl nitrite consumption for recreational purposes: