J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2016 Apr;27(2):214-218. 10.0000/jksem.2016.27.2.214.

Fatal Peripartum Cardiomyopathy after Bupivacaine Local Injection in Elective Cesarean Section: A Case Report

• Park JY
• Kang HR
• Kim JH
• Kim HW
• Kim SM
• Chang YJ
• Choe KH
• Lee KM
• An JY

• KMID: 2164253
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jksem.2016.27.2.214

Abstract

Bupivacaine is frequently used for pain control and local anesthesia. However, it is associated with certain acute and fatal side effects, although rare, including cardiac and central nervous system toxicities. In particular, bupivacaine-induced cardiac toxicity may be fatal. This condition can be diagnosed as bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity by excluding other causes and determining a history of bupivacaine administration. However, in emergency situations, recognizing bupivacaine toxicity can be difficult due to the physician's lack of awareness regarding the condition or in the absence of clear communication regarding the patient's medical history. In the current case report, we describe our experience with strong suspected bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity in a patient who underwent cesarean section along with a review of the literature.

Keyword

Bupivacaine; Cardiomyopathy; Lipid rescue

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, Local
Bupivacaine*
Cardiomyopathies*
Cardiotoxicity
Central Nervous System
Cesarean Section*
Emergencies
Female
Humans
Peripartum Period*
Pregnancy
Bupivacaine