Dystrophia myotonica: A multisystem disease

Abstract

In the anaesthetic management of dystrophia myotonica, emphasis should be placed on the fact that it is a multisystem disease. Cardiac, respiratory, and endocrine functions should be considered of greater importance than the myotonic aspects of the disease. The management of a case is described, using pancuronium as the muscle relaxant. Plasma cholinesterase activity was measured and the need for further investigation is suggested. © 1972 Canadian Anesthesiologists.