Malignant Hyperthermia or Not Malignant Hyperthermia A Diagnostic Conundrum

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 pati...