We report a case of compartment syndrome complicating malignant hyperthermia (MH) in a previously healthy patient. An intraoperative MH crisis responded to treatment with intravenous dantrolene. The patient subsequently developed a lower limb compartment syndrome which required fasciotomy.
Recognition of the link between MH and compartment syndrome helps ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of this rare complication of MH.
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O'DonnellC.J., BeckD.H., TaylorB.L., SmithG.B.Upper limb compartment syndromes: a complication of malignant hyperthermia in a patient with ill-defined myopathy. Br J Anaesth1995; 74: 343–344.
