Malignant hyperthermia, a surgeon's nightmare.

Malignant hyperthermia, a medical emergency occuring during anesthesia, may be triggered by any volatile agent. Once begun, malignant hyperthermia cascades into a fulminating cycle with body temperature rising as high as 109 degrees F. Treatment consists of immediate cessation of surgical procedure and anesthesia. The patient's temperature must be quickly lowered by the use of ice baths, cooled intravenous solutions, and the drug of choice, dantrolene.