Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2011 Mar;42(3):161-164.

Methylene Blue Solution-induced Acute Esophageal Mucosal Injury: First Case Report

• Ko OB
• Kim DH
• Kang JM
• Jung HY

Abstract

Methylene blue (MB) based chromoendoscopy has been used for more than a decade to increase detection rates of specialized intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is also used to detect anastomotic leakage after an operation. A 67-year-old man with no previous medical problems had complaints of jaundice and weight loss for 2 months. He was diagnosed with a Klatskin tumor and was referred to our hospital. An initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed before the operation. No abnormality was observed in the esophagus. MB solution was infused via an L-tube to check for leakage in the anastomosis. Subepithelial hemorrhagic and edematous mucosal changes with friability and a bluish mucosal discoloration were noted 2 days later from the mid to lower esophagus on EGD. Nine months later, an EGD revealed an unremarkable esophageal mucosa. MB solution is considered safe; however, a large volume or high concentration of MB solution might be harmful.

Keyword

Methylene blue; Esophagus; Injury

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma
Aged
Anastomotic Leak
Endoscopy, Digestive System
Esophagus
Humans
Jaundice
Klatskin's Tumor
Metaplasia
Methylene Blue
Mucous Membrane
Weight Loss
Methylene Blue