[Usefulness of on-line spirometry in bronchospasm occurring during anesthesia]

A 45-yr-old asthmatic male was undergoing urgent clipping of the cerebral aneurysm. On-line spirometry was performed by a Ultima produced by Datex Co., Ltd. Bronchospasm occurred just after the endotracheal intubation. Inspiratory airway pressure increased and ausculation of the chest revealed bilateral wheezing. On the screen of the ventilatory monitor, right- and downward shift of P-V loops was noted. Intravenous and inhalational bronchodilator therapy was started. Symptoms improved gradually and P-V loops were also normalized. This case demonstrates that the on-line spirometry is useful for estimating and recording the severity of the bronchospasm occurring during anesthesia.