Malignant hyperthermia

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Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited disease that causes a rapid rise in body temperature (fever) and severe muscle contractions when the affected person undergoes general anesthesia.

This condition is not the same as hyperthermia due to medical emergencies such as heat stroke.

Hyperthermia - malignant; Hyperpyrexia - malignant

Malignant hyperthermia is often noted for the first time after a patient is given anesthetic drugs during a surgical procedure. The anesthetized patient quickly develops muscle rigidity. Body temperature rapidly rises to 105 degrees F or higher. During these episodes, muscle tissue is destroyed and, eventually, kidney failure may result. Urine may turn a dark color (see rhabdomyolysis).

Malignant hyperthermia is an autosomal dominant trait, meaning it requires only one parent carrying the disease for a child to inherit the condition. It may be associated with muscular diseases such as multiminicore myopathy and central core disease.

The condition requires immediate treatment.

Review Date: 09/08/2005
Reviewed By: Neal Sondheimer, M.D., PhD., Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.