Sudden unexplained death in a patient with a family history of malignant hyperthermia

J Clin Anesth. 1997 Feb;9(1):66-8. doi: 10.1016/S0952-8180(96)00207-3.

Abstract

A 23-year-old healthy white male in excellent physical condition developed cardiac arrest and rigidity during moderate exercise. He had a strong family history of malignant hyperthermia (MH). Two hours postmortem, his temperature was noted to be markedly elevated [41 degrees C (106 degrees F)]. A review of the possible differential diagnoses point to MH as a reasonable etiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Chemical Analysis
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Death, Sudden*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Exercise
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Heart Arrest / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malignant Hyperthermia / genetics*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Vitreous Body / metabolism