Carbon monoxide toxicity
From IDWiki
Pathophysiology
- CO binds heme with high affinity, impairing oxygen release
Differential Diagnosis
Clinical Presentation
- History
- Headache
- Malaise
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness
- Seizures, coma
- Acute coronary syndromes
- Ventricular arrhythmias
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Physical Exam "Cherry red" skin and lips
- Pulse oximetry normal (needs co-oximetry)
- Delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome (up to 10 months)
- Cognitive impairment
- Movement disorders
- Personality changes
Investigations
Management
- Supportive care
- Poison centre
- High FiO2 supplemental oxygen
- Non-rebreather
- Hyperbaric oxygen is controversial
- Rule out other inhalational exposures such as cyanide toxicity
