Delayed Malignant Hyperthermia After Routine Coronary Artery Bypass

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but well-described hypermetabolic disorder of skeletal muscle that can be potentially fatal if untreated. In our patient, malignant hyperthermia developed several minutes after discontinuation of the known triggering agent after an uncomplicated coronary revascularization. This case illustrates the dramatic presentation and successful management of a rare disease with a rare onset. (Ann Thorac Surg 2010;89:947-8) (C) 2010 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons