Anesthetic management in a patient with dermatomyositis

Abstract

Dermatomyositis is a progressive disease associated with symmetrical weakness of proximal muscle groups and chronic inflammation of skin. Due to weakness of inspiratory muscles, aspiration pneumonia and incidence of pulmoner complications are high. In patients requiring general anesthesia less neuromuscular agents as well as neuromuscular monitorization should be used in order to decrease the risk of prolonged paralyses. In this case with dermatomyositis and intracranial menengioma, due to frontal localization of tumor and the necessity for evaluation of motor function during surgery, we planned awake craniotomy. Patient was followed with remifentanil infusion alone during operation and no complication occured during procedure. © 2009 OMÜ Tüm Haklari Saklidir.