Korean J Anesthesiol.  2002 Mar;42(3):403-408. 10.4097/kjae.2002.42.3.403.

Myocardial Infarction after an Asthmatic Attack in a Cataract Surgery under Local Anesthesia

• Shin HW
• Lee YS
• Cho H
• Lee HW
• Lim HJ
• Yun SM
• Jang SH

• KMID: 2031962
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2002.42.3.403

Abstract

Asthma is characterized by bronchial wall inflammation, airway hyperactivity, and variable degrees of reversible airflow obstruction resulting in wheezing, dyspnea, and coughing. Elderly patients with asthma have a high morbidity and mortality in the perioperative period. In an asthmatic attack, if appropriate therapeutic and preventive measures are not instituted, it can result in severe complications. A 76-year-old male who was scheduled for cataract surgery had a history of bronchial asthma. After the operation, the patient complained of dyspnea at rest and tachycardia and breath sounds bilaterally were decreased with wheezing. To relieve the asthmatic attack, O2 mask ventilation, aminophylline 4 mg/kg, IV and a ventolin nebulizer were applied. However, 30 min after the asthmatic attack, SpO2 dropped to 50 - 60% and stuporous mentality appeared. We report an acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary edema after an asthma attack in a patient undergoing cataract surgery.

Keyword

Asthma; complication; myocardial infarction

MeSH Terms

Aged
Albuterol
Aminophylline
Anesthesia, Local*
Asthma
Cataract*
Cough
Dyspnea
Humans
Inflammation
Male
Masks
Mortality
Myocardial Infarction*
Nebulizers and Vaporizers
Perioperative Period
Pulmonary Edema
Respiratory Sounds
Stupor
Tachycardia
Ventilation
Albuterol
Aminophylline