Ventricular fibrillation related to reversal of the neuromuscular blockade in a patient with long QT syndrome

Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 1999 Mar;43(3):352-5. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-6576.1999.430319.x.

Abstract

The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is associated with syncopal attacks or even sudden death at a young age due to ventricular fibrillation. We report a patient with an undiagnosed LQTS who had an episode of cardiac arrest during the final part of general anesthesia, immediately after the drugs for reversal of the neuromuscular blockade were given. We suggest that the administration of glycopyrronium might have been the provoking factor in this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Glycopyrrolate / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome / complications
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Neostigmine / adverse effects
  • Neuromuscular Blockade*
  • Parasympatholytics / adverse effects*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / complications
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / physiopathology

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Parasympatholytics
  • Neostigmine
  • Glycopyrrolate