Malignant Hyperthermia or Not Malignant Hyperthermia

Abstract

In an acute event, the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in patients in the ICU can be challenging. Initial presentation may be attributed to a gamut of causes, making the diagnosis complicated. This example is the case of a 46-year-old African American man who was admitted to the Stroke Service and intubated for respiratory distress. To facilitate intubation, he was given etomidate and succinylcholine. Within an hour, a sustained increase in arterial carbon dioxide concentration, rhabdomyolysis, and later on, hyperthermia, developed. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics, aggressive fluid hydration, and mechanical ventilation. He had had one previous uneventful anesthesia exposure and he denied having any family member having anesthesia complications. With a very convoluted presentation, a high degree of suspicion for MH warranted appropriate treatment to avoid significant morbidity and/or mortality. Moreover, until the diagnosis is confirmed, education regarding the disease process to patients and their family members is as vital as the treatment itself. The main objective of this case is to present a diagnostic dilemma in a probable MH patient who is in a state of shock in the ICU.