Regional Anesthesia With Levobupivacaine in a Patient With a RyR2 Gene Mutation After Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report

TL;DR

A patient with a RyR2 gene mutation and a history of cardiac arrest safely underwent surgery using levobupivacaine for regional anesthesia.

Contribution

This case report demonstrates the safe use of levobupivacaine in a CPVT patient during orthopedic surgery.

Findings

Levobupivacaine ensured good intraoperative conditions without adverse events.

No changes were observed in the patient's electrocardiogram during surgery.

Adequate postoperative pain control was achieved without triggering arrhythmias.

Abstract

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare inherited arrhythmia syndrome affecting the structurally normal heart, occurring during high adrenaline levels triggered by exercise or emotional stress. CPVT results from a mutation in the RyR2 gene and is clinically characterized by episodes of syncope, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac arrest. Optimal perioperative preparation for patients with CPVT aims to prevent increases in catecholamine levels during venipuncture, surgery, and pain management. Levobupivacaine, a long-lasting local anesthetic, was administered to a 28-year-old female patient for an axillary nerve block during orthopedic surgery. The patient had experienced sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 24, where the RyR2 gene mutation was confirmed, leading to the initiation of beta-blocker therapy. Subsequent hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, resulting from resuscitation, caused spastic quadriplegia. The patient's vital parameters, such as electrocardiogram, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), and oxygen saturation (SpO2), were monitored throughout the perioperative period. Orthopedic surgery was successfully completed, with no changes observed in the electrocardiogram. Levobupivacaine, being less cardiotoxic, ensured good intraoperative conditions without adverse events and provided adequate postoperative pain control for the patient with CPVT during orthopedic surgery.

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