Which condition may occur as a result of malignant hyperthermia?

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening condition that is typically triggered by certain anesthetic agents or muscle relaxants, leading to a rapid increase in metabolic rate and body temperature. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is severe muscle rigidity.

This muscle rigidity arises due to an abnormal release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle cells, which results in sustained muscle contraction. This intense contraction can lead to increased muscle metabolism, further exacerbating the hyperthermia and potentially leading to complications such as rhabdomyolysis and metabolic acidosis. The severe muscle rigidity is a direct consequence of the underlying pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia and is critical for both diagnosing the condition and initiating appropriate treatment.

In this context, recognizing severe muscle rigidity as a key symptom allows healthcare professionals to act quickly, typically by administering dantrolene, which is a muscle relaxant specifically indicated for the management of malignant hyperthermia. This understanding is essential in scenarios where anesthesia is involved, as swift recognition and management can significantly improve patient outcomes.