Eleven Blue Men

A historical medical case study

Eleven Blue Men

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The "Eleven Blue Men" case is a notable example of mass poisoning.

The "Eleven Blue Men" refers to a famous medical case involving a group of men who were hospitalized in New York City in 1944 after turning blue. This case is a classic example of methemoglobinemia, a condition where the blood is unable to carry sufficient oxygen, leading to a blue discoloration of the skin.

Background

In September 1944, eleven men were admitted to the Bellevue Hospital in New York City with symptoms of cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. The men were all patrons of a local cafeteria and had consumed oatmeal before falling ill.

Symptoms

The primary symptom observed in the patients was the blue discoloration of their skin, which is characteristic of methemoglobinemia. Other symptoms included headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Investigation

The investigation into the cause of the illness was led by Dr. Alexander Gettler, a pioneer in the field of forensic toxicology. The investigation revealed that the oatmeal consumed by the men was contaminated with sodium nitrite, a chemical used as a preservative and coloring agent in food.

Cause

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Sodium nitrite was identified as the cause of the poisoning.

Sodium nitrite, when ingested in large quantities, can oxidize the iron in hemoglobin, forming methemoglobin, which is unable to bind oxygen effectively. This results in reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and the characteristic blue appearance of the skin.

Treatment

The treatment for methemoglobinemia involves the administration of methylene blue, a medication that helps convert methemoglobin back to hemoglobin, restoring the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. The patients in this case were successfully treated with methylene blue and made a full recovery.

Significance

The "Eleven Blue Men" case is significant in the field of toxicology and public health as it highlights the dangers of chemical contamination in food and the importance of proper food safety regulations. It also underscores the role of forensic toxicology in identifying and addressing public health threats.

Related pages

• Methemoglobinemia
• Forensic toxicology
• Cyanosis
• Public health