Extreme But Asymptomatic Carboxyhemoglobinemia and Chronic Lung Disease
- Robert P. Hebbel, MD;
- John W. Eaton, PhD;
- Siv Modler;
- Harry S. Jacob, MD
Abstract
Carboxyhemoglobinemia is a well-known consequence of carbon monoxide exposure from smoking. However, only moderately elevated levels have been reported. We report the case of an asymptomatic man with severe chronic obstructive lung disease and carboxyhemoglobin levels repeatedly in excess of 30% (maximum, 38.0%) due to smoking. The mechanism by which such high levels were attained was primarily a combination of arterial hypoxia and a high carbon monoxide yield from tobacco. For a given level of carbon monoxide exposure, the hypoxic person will attain a higher carboxyhemoglobin level than will a person without hypoxia.
(JAMA 239:2584-2586, 1978)
Footnotes
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Reprint requests to Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Box 480, University of Minnesota Hospitals, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (Dr Hebbel).
