A case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome following cardiac surgery

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is rare but sometimes causes life-threatening conditions. We report the case of a 53-year-old male patient who developed NMS following cardiac surgery. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and pre- scribed blonanserin, chlorpromazine, and biperiden. From postoperative day 3, hyperthermia, disturbed consciousness, and involuntary movement were observed. Subsequently, his serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels increased. After NMS was suspected, chlorpromazine and biperiden were stopped. From postoperative day 7, intravenous administration of dant- rolene was initiated. Following this treatment, his serum CPK levels gradually decreased, and the other symptoms improved. The treatment of NMS remains controversial. There is no evidence that dantrolene is effective for treating NMS; however, it may be one of the important options for treating NMS. We present the case and discuss the diagnosis and management of NMS following cardiac surgery. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2017; 6(2.000): 117-119]