Blue dye, green heart

Cardiovasc Pathol. 2010 Mar-Apr;19(2):125-6. doi: 10.1016/j.carpath.2008.06.012. Epub 2008 Aug 13.

Abstract

Methylene blue has been used for the rapid reversal of circulatory shock refractory to fluid administration, inotropic agents, and vasoconstrictors. Its clinical side effects have been well described. We report an interesting autopsy observation in patients who received methylene blue as adjunct therapy for septic shock. The exposed surface of cardiac myocardium on both fresh and fixed states rapidly turned green. In the presence of molecular oxygen, the colorless metabolite leukomethylene blue is readily oxidized to methylene blue, thus explaining the visible color change of the myocardium.

MeSH terms

  • Cardiotonic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Methylene Blue / administration & dosage*
  • Methylene Blue / chemistry
  • Myocardium / chemistry
  • Myocardium / metabolism
  • Myocardium / pathology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Shock, Septic / drug therapy*
  • Shock, Septic / pathology
  • Shock, Septic / physiopathology
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Methylene Blue