Ineffective ventilation during conscious sedation due to chest wall rigidity after intravenous midazolam and fentanyl.

Abstract

Chest wall rigidity has been reported after the administration of high-dose intravenous fentanyl. This case report supports the observation that low-dose intravenous fentanyl may also cause chest wall rigidity. The treatment of chest wall rigidity with naloxone or neuromuscular blocking agents is controversial. A discussion of the management of fentanyl-induced chest wall rigidity is presented.