Malignant hyperthermia, a rare perioperative complication: case series and literature review

Abstract

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare complication of general anesthesia appearing as an acute and potentially lethal hypermetabolic state in people carrying a genetic anomaly expressed in skeletal muscles. Malignant hyperthermia has been scarcely described in sub-Saharan Africa. Herein, we present three cases of malignant hyperthermia occurring in the perioperative period in Cameroon. The authors wish to draw attention to the clinical presentation of this rare but potentially lethal emergency, for timely diagnosis, management and follow-up geared at preventing perioperative mortality.