Succinylcholine-induced cardiac arrest in unsuspected Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A case history is presented of a three-year-old boy with unsuspected Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who suffered a cardiac arrest following the administration of a single dose of succinylcholine during a halothane anaesthetic. The arrest was associated with lack of fasciculations, muscle rigidity, hyperkalemia, myoglobinuria, and massive elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase. Asystole was prolonged and refractory to treatment, although cardiac activity was eventually restored. The possible cause of the circulatory collapse is discussed and reports of similar cases reviewed. Neither succinylcholine nor halothane should be employed in cases with known or suspected Duchenne muscular dystrophy.