Ventricular fibrillation and rhabdomyolysis after administration of succinylcholine.

Succinylcholine is a depolarising muscle relaxant. Because of its quick onset of action, it is particularly used in situations which require urgent intubation. However, there have been several reports of cardiac arrest after administration of succinylcholine. We describe the case of a young woman who developed ventricular fibrillation and rhabdomyolysis following succinylcholine administration. Possible mechanisms and treatment are discussed.