[Anesthetic management of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy]

Using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), we managed the anesthesia for a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Anesthesia was induced with midazolam and fentanyl, and vecuronium was used as a muscle relaxant. Anesthesia was maintained with oxygen-nitrous oxide-low concentration isoflurane. After the induction of anesthesia ejection fraction was 20%, but increased to 41% with the administration of dobutamine and amrinone. We conclude that TEE is a useful monitor in anesthetic management of a patient with DCM.