ISPUB.COM The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology Volume 19 Number 2 1 of 3 Anaesthetic Management of A Case of Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Global Hypokinesia L Gupta, S Verma, A Bhalotra, P Bhadoria Citation L Gupta, S Verma, A Bhalotra, P Bhadoria. Anaesthetic Management of A Case of Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Global Hypokinesia. The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology. 2008 Volume 19 Number 2. Abstract We report the anesthetic management of a 75 yr. old patient with dilated cardiomyopathy, scheduled for surgery for total hip replacement. The risks involved and the potential benefits of the use of regional and general anaesthesia are discussed. INTRODUCTION Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a primary myocardial disease of varied causes 1 . Although it was formerly called congestive cardiomyopathy, the term dilated cardiomyopathy is now preferred because the earliest abnormality usually is ventricular enlargement and systolic contractile function, with the sign and symptoms of congestive heart failure often (but not invariably) developing later. Anesthetic management of these patients is quite challenging. The anesthesiologist must have the knowledge of its pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic evaluations and the treatment modalities. CASE REPORT A 75-year-old man sustained fracture of the head of femur and was scheduled for hip replacement surgery. His previous medical records revealed that he was previously admitted to the Coronary Care Unit for episodes of congestive cardiac failure nearly 2 years back. He had a past history of alcohol abuse for 25 years. The heart rate was 64/min and regular. The blood pressure was 114/74 mmHg. There were no ronchi or rales on auscultation. Heart sounds were normal. Preoperative 12 lead EKG showed LBBB and poor progression of R wave in V 1 -V 4 . Echocardiography report demonstrated, global hypokinesia with poor systolic function, ejection fraction of 25%; mitral regurgitation, and type 1 diastolic dysfunction. His symptoms were well controlled with Tab betaloc 50mg od, Tab lasix 40 mg od, Tab amlovas 10mg od, and Tab atorvastatin 20 mg od for the last 2 years. No abnormalities were noted in the laboratory investigations. Preoperative hemoglobin was 11.4 gm%. A high-risk consent was obtained. Regional (epidural) anesthesia technique was explained to the patient. No premedication was advised. Intravenous access was established with a 18 G i.v. cannula and patient preloaded with 500 ml of ringer lactate. Non-invasive blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and lead II, V of the electrocardiogram were monitored throughout the surgery. CVP line was inserted peripherally through the right basilic vein. After taking all aseptic and antiseptic precautions, an 18 G epidural catheter was introduced at L3-4 space. 2% xylocaine plain (without adrenaline) was injected slowly to attain a sensory and motor block up to T10 level. BP of 80 mmHg systolic was observed after 10 min. This was treated with intermittent bolus of inj. mephenteramine in doses of 3 to 6 mg i.v. with the aim to maintain the systolic BP of 90 mmHg. or more. Ventricular as well as junctional ectopics were seen on the EKG but not persistent enough to warrant any treatment. Intraoperative blood loss was about 500-600 ml. CVP was maintained at 9-10 cm of H 2 O throughout the surgery with crystalloids and colloids. Surgery lasted for nearly 90-100 minutes. Postoperatively, there was a drop in the blood pressure to 70/40mmHg, CVP was 6 cm H2O. Patient had no complaints of chest pain, sweating or difficulty in breathing. Fluid administration continued at the rate of 100ml/hr. Dobutamine infusion was started at the rate of 5-6 ug/kg/min. to maintain the systolic blood pressure to 90 mmHg. After 1 hour, ventricular ectopics were seen on ECG monitor, which were successfully treated by administering xylocard 80 mg i.v. Repeat Hb value was 7.8 gm%. One unit blood transfusion was given. The subsequent postoperative course was uneventful.