Korean J Anesthesiol.  2003 Mar;44(3):418-422. 10.4097/kjae.2003.44.3.418.

Atrial Fibrillation Treated by Propafenone during Induction of General Anesthesia: A case report

• Chung JY
• Kim BI
• Lee MS

• KMID: 2299021
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2003.44.3.418

Abstract

We experienced a case of unexpected atrial fibrillation (AF) developed during induction of general anesthesia. The patient was a 71-year-old woman diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm. She had no history of heart or lung disease. Preoperative laboratory results, chest x-ray, arterial blood gas analysis and vital signs were within normal limits except ST and T changes in a preoperative ECG. Preoperative echocardiography showed left heart enlargement but other findings were nonspecific. AF combined with decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate developed during induction of general anesthesia. Digoxin and esmolol were given for heart rate control. Propafenone was used for chemical cardioversion through a naso-gastric tube. Thirty minutes after medication, AF disappeared and vital signs returned to the preoperative condition.

Keyword

Atrial fibrillation; propafenone

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anesthesia, General*
Atrial Fibrillation*
Blood Gas Analysis
Blood Pressure
Cardiomegaly
Digoxin
Echocardiography
Electric Countershock
Electrocardiography
Female
Heart
Heart Rate
Humans
Intracranial Aneurysm
Lung Diseases
Propafenone*
Thorax
Vital Signs
Digoxin
Propafenone