Critical illness neuromyopathy complicating cardiac surgery

Abstract

Critical illness neuromyopathy (CINM) is a sporadically reported disease in the setting of an intensive care unit developing in the process of managing a critical illness. The disease primarily affects the motor and sensory axons and results in severe limb weakness rendering ventilator weaning extremely difficult. We report a case of CINM after cardiac valve surgery. Quadriplegia developed after the operation and resolved slowly over the following 2 months. The patient was discharged home free of neurologic symptoms.