The haemodynamic effects of sodium nitroprusside-induced hypotension during beta-adrenergic blockade and anaesthesia. A case report.

We present the central haemodynamic data obtained during halothane/nitrous oxide anaesthesia in a patient under antihypertensive treatment with propranolol who underwent surgery for intracranial aneurysms in sodium nitroprusside-induced hypotension. Cardiac output remained unchanged when hypotension was induced. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased. There was a slight increase in heart rate, as well as a minor decrease in stroke volume. Systemic vascular resistance decreased, but pulmonary vascular resistance remained unchanged. The response observed is discussed.