Anesthetic management of a patient with methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract Background Methamphetamine abuse is a serious public health concern and causes various life-threatening disorders including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Herein, we present the first case report describing the anesthetic management of a patient with methamphetamine-associated PAH (M-A PAH) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Case presentation A 34-year-old female with M-A PAH suffered from deterioration of right ventricular (RV) heart failure due to recurrent cholecystitis and was scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative assessment of PA pressure showed 82/32 (mean, 50) mmHg, and transthoracic echocardiology revealed a slight reduction of RV function. General anesthesia was induced and maintained by thiopental, remifentanil, sevoflurane, and rocuronium. PA pressure gradually increased after peritoneal insufflation; therefore, we administered dobutamine and nitroglycerin to decrease pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The patient emerged from anesthesia smoothly. Conclusions Avoiding increased PVR by appropriate anesthesia and medical hemodynamic support is an important consideration for patients with M-A PAH.