[A case report of malignant hyperthermia in a 14-month-old boy]

A 14-month-old boy underwent bilateral antrotomies and adenotomy for bilateral mastoiditis. During the operation, typical symptoms of malignant hyperthermia (MH) became apparent. At the time of operation, pulse oximetry and capnometry were not possible which led to a delay in making the diagnosis. Nevertheless, Dantrolene, which was available in the operating theatre, was immediately administered. The postoperative recovery was complicated by altered cerebral function (inability to concentrate), muscle exhaustion and a coagulopathy which lasted for eleven days. A muscle biopsy of the child's father was positive for MH.