title: Perioperative management of alcohol withdrawal in an achondroplastic dwarf with an unstable cervical spine: a difficult management dilemma.
abstract: Patients presenting with alcohol withdrawal syndrome have an increased risk of perioperative events related to hemodynamic and respiratory instability. We present the case of a 49-year-old achondroplastic dwarf in alcohol withdrawal with cervical spinal cord injury and aortic dissection requiring emergency surgery. Due to conflicting perioperative management goals, a decision was made to delay surgery until the patient became clinically stable. Additional options might have been explored and resulted in better outcome.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Lauryn R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Rochlen
authors.forename: Robert K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Fraumann