Sudden discontinuation and reinstitution of olanzapine-associated atypical neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a patient undergoing lung surgery

Abstract

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially life-threatening idiosyncratic reaction generally associated with neuroleptics. NMS is characterized by hyperthermia, extrapyramidal symptoms, elevated creatinine kinase (CK), altered mental state, leukocytosis, and problems with vegetative functions. Due to its lower affinity for dopaminergic receptors and higher affinity for serotonin receptors, olanzapine-associated atypical NMS were less common than typical neuroleptics. Here we report a case of NMS induced by sudden discontinuation and reinstitution of olanzapine in a patient with schizophrenia during perioperative period of lung resection, drawing attention to adverse events occurring with reinstitution of atypical neuroleptics in high-risk patients.

Keywords: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome; atypical neuroleptics; perioperative period.