Intravenously Administered Indocyanine Green May Cause Falsely High Near-Infrared Cerebral Oximetry Readings

BACKGROUND Near-infrared spectroscopy assesses cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (Scto2) based on the absorption spectra of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. It has been reported that IV-administered dyes including methylene blue, indigo carmine, and indocyanine green (ICG) may cause falsely low-pulse oximetry readings (Spo2). Although methylene blue and indigo carmine may also decrease Scto2, the effect of ICG has not been documented. METHODS Simultaneous changes in the heart rate, arterial blood pressure, Scto2, and Spo2 were measured after IV administration of ICG (12.5 mg diluted in 5.0 mL 0.9% NaCl) in 15 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy under sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia. RESULTS After the dye administration, no change in heart rate or arterial blood pressure was observed in any patient. Scto2 increased by 13.3±4.0 percentage points, reaching the peak at 42.0±28.4 seconds after the administration, whereas Spo2 decreased by 1.9±1.2 percentage points, reaching the peak at 64.0±42.5 seconds (P