title: Serotonin syndrome: take a closer look at the unwell surgical patient.
abstract: This article describes the sequence of acute clinical deterioration seen in a head and neck oncology patient who developed serotonin syndrome peri-operatively. It highlights the clinical dilemma that can be encountered when a septic picture masks the onset of serotonin syndrome and  reinforces the importance of awareness of the potential interactions and side effects associated with drugs that surgeons prescribe. We discuss the pathophysiology, causal factors, clinical presentation and diagnosis of serotonin syndrome as well as highlighting some of the dilemmas that this  condition presents in the surgical setting.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Princes Road, University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust, Stoke on Trent, UK.
authors: Z S
authors: ZS
authors: Shaikh
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Krueper
authors: T J
authors: TJ
authors: Malins
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005334:Fever / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010157:Palatal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis; D020230:Serotonin Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors