Ropivacaine:An Unusual Cause of Neuroleptic Malignant-Like Syndrome

Miguel Santos1, Sheila Arroja2, Ana Luisa Antunes2

  • 1Serviço de Medicina Interna, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.

Ropivacaine is commonly used for post-operative pain management. We describe a case of neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome in a woman administered ropivacaine delivered using a drug infusion balloon. The presenting symptoms were confusion, agitation and fever. Blood analysis showed elevated C-reactive protein, leucocytosis and increased creatine phosphokinase. As intoxication was suspected, ropivacaine was suspended and the patient gradually improved. Possible leakage of ropivacaine into the intrathecal space may have resulted in central nervous system toxicity.

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