[Effect of tracheostomy with imipramine on apneusis attacks in a girl with Rett syndrome].

A girl with Rett syndrome was suffered from severe apneusis attacks, resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest, which required resuscitation. Her apneusis attacks did not respond at all to diazepam, magnesium citrare or tricyclic antidepressants but ceased by tracheostomy with oral imipramine. The breathing abnormality appeared to involve difficulty in terminating inspiration. This supports the idea that a lack of serotonin may cause her apneusis attacks.