Masseter muscle rigidity, elevated creatine kinase, and rhabdomyolysis following succinylcholine administration: a case report

Abstract

This case report details the onset of masseter muscle rigidity, elevated creatine kinase levels, and rhabdomyolysis following a sevoflurane mask induction and succinylcholine administration in a 12-year-old boy. The patient had no family or personal history of neuromuscular disease or malignant hyperthermia. Hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and rhabdomyolysis occurred within 75 minutes of masseter muscle rigidity. Subsequent to this event, it was recommended that the patient undergo a workup for neuromuscular disease and malignant hyperthermia with muscle biopsy. Until this workup is completed, the family should advise anesthesia providers that the patient is "malignant hyperthermia susceptible." Masseter muscle rigidity, elevated creatine kinase levels, and rhabdomyolysis will be thoroughly discussed in this article.