Methylene blue: an effective treatment for contrast medium-induced anaphylaxis.

Background: The purpose of this paper is to propose methylene blue as a lifesaving alternative drug for the treatment of contrast-induced anaphylaxis.

Case Report: In a cardiovascular catheterization laboratory invasive hemodynamic monitoring was used to document the lifesaving effect of IV bolus injections of 1.5-2 mg/Kg methylene blue solution to treat three patients for anaphylactic shock following radiocontrast injection during coronary angiography.

The role of B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in patients presenting to an emergency department with dyspnea.

Objective: To determine the utility of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients presenting with dyspnea to an emergency department (ED).

Methods: Seventy patients presenting with dyspnea to an ED from April to July 2001 were included in the study. Mean age was 72+/-16 years and 33 (47%) were male.