[Severe and prolonged EEG depression after induction of general anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy. Report of a clinical case]

Abstract

A large number of methods are available for intraoperative neurologic monitoring during endarterectomy, although no single method is infallible. Debate over choice of regional or general anesthesia for this surgery persists because of differing conclusions of various studies of risks and benefits. The case of patient undergoing left carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia is described, in whom after the induction of anesthesia with: midazolam 2 mg, fentanyl 50 g, propofol (fractionate dose of 180 mg) and cisatracurium 12 mg, a total EEG depression occurred persisting for over 10 minutes and was followed by slow recovery, during the awakening of the patient. No significant hemodynamic changes were noted during the induction. No neurologic deficit was observed in the patient after arousal. It is suggested that the probable reason for the EEG response is the particular sensitivity of the patient to some of the induction drugs or to their association. Two weeks later surgery was successfully performed using cervical plexus block, without any anesthetic support. Regional anesthesia allows continuous neurologic assessment of the awaken patient, it is the most sensitive method for detecting inadequate cerebral perfusion and function.