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Undiagnosed central anticholinergic syndrome may lead to dangerous complications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 August 2006

K. Katsanoulas ,
A. Papaioannou ,
O. Fraidakis  and
D. Michaloudis
K. Katsanoulas
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
A. Papaioannou
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
O. Fraidakis
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
D. Michaloudis
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Abstract

This report describes two cases of central anticholinergic syndrome, the first after general anaesthesia and the other during a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit. The symptoms in both patients resolved soon after physostigmine administration. There was a delay in the diagnosis of central anticholinergic syndrome, which resulted in acute lung injury and unanticipated intensive care unit admission. It is suggested that in cases of abnormal mental recovery after anaesthesia or sedation, the diagnosis of central anticholinergic syndrome should be considered.

Keywords

central anticholinergic syndromeanaesthesiageneralanaesthetic techniqueintrathecal fentanylcomplicationsdelayed emergenceintensive carecentral anticholinergic syndromephysostigmine
Type
Case Report
Information
European Journal of Anaesthesiology , Volume 16 , Issue 11 , November 1999 , pp. 803 - 809
Copyright
1999 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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