Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited disease that causes a rapid rise in body temperature (fever) and severe muscle contractions when the affected person receives general anesthesia.
This condition is not the same as hyperthermia that is due to medical emergencies such as heat stroke or infection.
This condition is not the same as hyperthermia that is due to medical emergencies such as heat stroke or infection.
Causes
Malignant hyperthermia is inherited. Only one parent has to carry the disease for a child to inherit the condition. It may be associated with muscular diseases such as multiminicore myopathy and central core disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Rapid rise in temperature to 105 degrees F or higher
- Muscle rigidity and stiffness
- Dark brown urine
- Muscle ache without obvious exercise to explain sore muscles
- Bleeding
Exams and Tests
Malignant hyperthermia is often discovered after a patient is given anesthesia during a surgical procedure.
There may be a family history of malignant hyperthermia or unexplained death during anesthesia.
The person may have a rapid and often irregular heart rate.
Tests that may be done include:
- Chem-20
- Genetic testing to look for defects in the RYR1 gene
- Muscle biopsy
- Myoglobin in the urine
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