Malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia

Malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia generally occurs in otherwise healthy subjects and carries a high mortality. It is characterized by rapid elevation in body temperature, muscular rigidity, ventricular arrhythmias, acidosis, and cardiovascular collapse. Successful management is dependent on immediate diagnosis, discontinuation of anesthesia, hyperventilation, cooling, and appropriate drugs. Several cases of hemorrhage secondary to disseminated intravascular coagulation have been reported, and routine heparinization is recommended while appropriate laboratory studies are carried out. Two cases of malignant hyperthermia of anesthesia are reported. In the first case diffuse hemorrhage secondary to disseminated intravascular coagulation played a significant role in the patient's death. In the second case prompt therapeutic maneuvers, including the use of procaine, led to eventual recovery.