[General Anesthesia Using Remifentanil for Cesarean Section in a Parturient with Marfan Syndrome Associated with Heart Failure due to Severe Mitral Regurgitation].

A 24-year-old woman with Marfan syndrome was scheduled for cesarean section in order to avoid progression of heart failure due to severe mitral regurgitation and aortic dissection during labor. Cesarean section was performed under general anesthesia using remifentanil. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with remifentanil (0.1-0.3 μg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and continuous administration of propofol (target-controlled infusion, 2-3 ng x ml(-1)). The trachea was intubated without a significant hemodynamic change. The patient's systolic blood pressure was maintained between 90 and 120 mmHg during surgery. Intraoperatively, we conducted a transesophageal echocardiography examination, and no remarkable change was seen in the severity of mitral regurgitation and the size of an ascending aorta. An infant was delivered 6 minutes after anesthesia induction. The Apgar scores were 4 at 1 min, 5 at 5 min and 8 at 10 min. Postoperative course was uneventful. We conclude that remifentanil can be used successfully to manage cesarean section of a parturient with Marfan syndrome associated with heart failure due to severe mitral regurgitation under general anesthesia.