Green skin discoloration associated with multiple organ failure.

OBJECTIVE

To report intense green hyperpigmentation related to FD & C Blue No. 1.

DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Surgical intensive care unit.

PATIENT: A 67-yr-old woman with unstable angina, electrocardiographic S-T segment elevation, and a left ventricle thrombus requiring emergent coronary revascularization surgery.

INTERVENTIONS: Postoperative monitoring and treatment for multiple organ dysfunction that included small-bowel tube feeding and propofol sedation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

The patient developed an intense green skin color.

CONCLUSION

Patients with multiple organ failure may be at risk for unusual pigmentation effects from tube feeding dyes.