Succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia in a patient with mucositis secondary to chemotherapy

Abstract

Oral mucositis is a frequent and potentially severe complication of cancer chemotherapy. We believe that mucositis was a contributing factor to this case of fatal hyperkalemia after administration of succinylcholine, with a mechanism similar to that reported with thermal injury. Only nondepolarizing muscle relaxants should be used in patients who are at risk for mucositis. Mucositis should be added to the list of conditions in which succinylcholine is contraindicated.