Severe methemoglobinemia following intravenous lidocaine administration during coronary artery bypass surgery: The use of methylene blue and extracorporeal membrane oxygenator

A 63-year-old male patient underwent coronary artery bypass surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Preoperative test results were all normal. During surgery, sudden methemoglobinemia developed after the intravenous administration of lidocaine which was used to prevent arrhythmias. In the intensive care unit, methylene blue was given to the patient and an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator was used to correct deep hypotension and worsening hemodynamic parameters. However, the patient died from multiorgan failure secondary to hypoxia. In conclusion, many factors may play a role in the etiology of methemoglobinemia. Treatment options are limited. Methylene blue is used as an effective method in the treatment. Lidocaine is one of the most common drugs used in the practice of cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. Therefore, the possibility of developing methemoglobinemia should be always kept in mind.