Case of the Month #34 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Published 01/12/2022

Take Home Messages

CO poisoning should be diagnosed in the presence of the triad of:  

  1. Symptoms of CO poisoning   

  1. History/evidence of CO/smoke exposure  

  1. Elevated COHb levels 

However, it is important to remember that in the clinical environment the presentation can be ambiguous and CO poisoning should remain on the differential list of diagnoses for patients admitted with reduced GCS.  If in any doubt these patients should be treated with 100% oxygen regardless of oxygen saturations.