Ecstacy-induced delayed rhabdomyolysis and neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a patient with a novel variant in the ryanodine receptor type 1 gene

Abstract

We present the case of a 20-year-old woman who developed rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and multi-organ failure induced by ecstasy. Following initial improvement, she developed delayed rhabdomyolysis then haloperidol-induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which was treated with a total of 50 mg.kg -1 dantrolene. Subsequent genetic testing revealed a novel potentially pathogenic variant in the ryanodine receptor type 1 gene. However, caffeine-halothane contracture testing of the patient's mother who carried the same gene variant was negative for malignant hyperthermia. © Anaesthesia © 2012 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.