[Muscle relaxation using atracurium in porphyria variegata--case notes]

A case is presented involving the use of atracurium (120 mg) as a muscle relaxant in a patient with known variegate porphyria. The concentrations of urinary porphyrins and porphyrin precursors did not increase after this anaesthetic, and no exacerbation of the disease was noted. This single case suggests that atracurium can be used safely in patients with porphyria.