Cardiac arrest induced by the local infiltration of epinephrine during desflurane anesthesia: A case report

ABSTRACT

Topical epinephrine is useful to reduce bleeding and to give a clear operative field during general anesthesia. However, epinephrine at clinical doses has adverse cardiovascular effects, such as transient hypertension and arrhythmia. We report a case of cardiac arrest following the local infiltration of epinephrine during desflurane anesthesia. The patient recovered without sequelae after intensive care. However, it is recommended that caution is exercised when the local infiltration of epinephrine is used during general anesthesia.