Malignant hyperthermia
Alternative Names
Hyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignantSymptoms
Malignant hyperthermia is often noted for the first time after a patient is given anesthesia during a surgical procedure.
Symptoms include:
- Rapid rise in temperature to 105 degrees F or higher
- Muscle rigidity and stiffness
- Dark brown urine
- Muscle ache without obvious exercise to explain sore muscles
Exams and Tests
There may be a family history of malignant hyperthermia or unexplained death during anesthesia.
Tests that may be done include:
- Chem-20
- Genetic testing to look for defects in the RYR1 gene
- Muscle biopsy
- Myoglobin in the urine
References
Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:2000.
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