Malignant hyperthermia

Malignant hyperthermia, an acute elevation of body temperature during anesthesia, usually accompanied by marked muscle rigidity, is an entity that has only recently become well known but there are nonetheless already many insights into its nature, treatment and prevention. A description is given of its clinical features and etiology. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment are outlined. The authors' current investigations into four cases of malignant hyperthermia in Nova Scotia prompt them to request information from any physician who may encounter this disorder in a patient.