Dystonia presenting as upper airway obstruction.
Dystonic extrapyramidal reactions due to neuroleptic medications are a common entity in emergency medicine. However, it is not widely reported that dystonia can be associated with airway compromise and death. We describe a case of upper airway obstruction due to a dystonic reaction to haloperidol, present radiographic evidence of airway compromise, and explain the physiologic mechanisms involved.
Barach
E
E
Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202.
Dubin
L M
LM
Tomlanovich
M C
MC
Kottamasu
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004421:Dystonia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D004155:Diphenhydramine; D006220:Haloperidol