A Case of Fatal Malignant Hyperthermia and Unavailability of Drug

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare condition in which the body temperature suddenly and unexpectedly increases due to severe reactions to some anesthetic drugs, which are commonly used to prevent pain during surgery and other invasive procedures. The patients who are susceptible to malignant hyperthermia are usually unaware about the problem and when it precipitates with the administration of any anesthetic agent, it can be life threatening. The drugs, which are used to treat this condition, are also not commonly available and hence the condition becomes worse. Such cases are commonly referred to as ‘Death in the operation theatre ’and allegitations of medical negligence and consequent medico-legal autopsy are quite common due to the sudden and unexpected death of the patient. One such rare case was brought to us for autopsy examination in which the patient died in operation theatre due to malignant hyperthermia. The case is presented here to discuss the various issues related to the malignant hyperthermia and unavailability of its antidote in an emergency situation.