Ultrasonography: not useful in detecting susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.

Abstract

MH is a rare, potentially fatal complication of general anesthesia. Halothane‐caffeine contracture testing of a muscle biopsy is the only accepted diagnostic test for MH. A previous report indicated that ultrasonography may aid in diagnosis of MH. Using sonographic examination of the thigh and calf, we evaluated eight patients with proved susceptibility to MH and eight control patients. Two radiologists independently evaluated the sonograms for echogenicity and definition of fascial planes. We detected no consistent and reliable differences between control and MH patients. We conclude that, in our hands, ultrasonography is not useful in differentiating patients with MH from normal persons.

Muscle Ultrasound Abnormalities in Individuals with RYR1-Related Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility

“…Previous studies on muscle ultrasound in MH susceptible individuals have reported mixed results. Increased echogenicity in muscles of the lower extremities has been reported using a qualitative approach [ 43 ], however, this could not be reproduced [ 44 ]. Nevertheless, both studies were designed to study the usefulness of muscle ultrasound as a non-invasive test to diagnose MH susceptibility and did not use a quantitative analysis, a broad screening protocol, nor take neuromuscular symptoms into account.…”

Soft Tissues and Miscellaneous Areas

“…A heterogeneous and grainy pattern of the muscles, with a hypoechoic pattern of the septa and fascia is described by some [3], not by others [4]. The rarity of this syndrome in our ICU has until now prevented us from making an opinion.…”