Desflurane, Malignant Hyperthermia, and Release of Compartment Syndrome

In Brief We describe a case of suspected malignant hyperthermia in a healthy 20-yr-old man. The patient underwent urgent release of upper extremity compartment syndrome as a result of traumatic vascular injury. After 3 h of general anesthesia with desflurane, he developed a hypermetabolic state (hypercarbia, hyperthermia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis), consistent with the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia. Cardiovascular instability coincided with reperfusion of the injured extremity. Treatment with dantrolene and supporting measures restored cardiovascular stability. Three days later he underwent a successful second surgery under regional block with total IV anesthesia. IMPLICATIONS: We describe an episode of suspected malignant hyperthermia during desflurane anesthesia for treatment of traumatic injury.