Malignant hyperthermia.

The true incidence of malignant hyperthermia is unknown, but the frequency has been estimated as high as 1/14,000 anesthetic events. Review of the literature reports mortality rates up to 70%. Without prompt medical intervention, it is a uniformly fatal disease. Thus, it behooves the physician to have an awareness of the syndrome and its features, so that early recognition and adequate treatment take place. This paper presents a review of the literature on the occurrence, pathology, symptoms and treatment of malignant hyperthermia.