Fatal Anaphylaxis to Atracurium: A Case Report.

A 52-year-old patient was scheduled for a cystoscopy. Anesthesia was induced by intravenous injection of fentanyl and propofol. After administration of atracurium, he became bradycardic and suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the patient could not be revived. Electrolytes and hemoglobin levels were normal, and a transthoracic echocardiogram showed no signs of pericardial effusions or of any left ventricular contraction. The postmortem found no pathology. However, mast cell tryptase was raised significantly, indicating fatal anaphylaxis. Having presented no classic clinical signs, this case is a reminder that rapid cardiovascular collapse can be the sole clinical feature of anaphylaxis.