[Anesthesia in dystrophia myotonica using the capnogram]

The dangers associated with anaesthesia and postoperative care in patients with dystrophia myotonica are reviewed. Weakness, atrophy and myotonia of the respiratory muscles and abnormal drug responses are among the many features of the disease which create specific problems. Capnography is obviously a monitor of particular value, yet capnograms in dystrophia myotonia patients have never been published. Abnormal capnograms recorded in a patient with dystrophia myotonica before and after the administration of neostigmine are described. A technique of anaesthetic management avoiding drug liable to produce abnormal reactions, and with the capnogram as a guide, is discussed.