Masseter spasm induced by succinylcholine in children: contracture testing for malignant hyperthermia: report of six cases.

We evaluated six boys who had developed isolated masseter muscle spasm following intravenous succinylcholine. All were receiving halothane by inhalation.l In vitro muscle contracture tests utilizing halothane and caffeine were performed. Four of the six boys had contracture response similar to those of malignant hyperthermia susceptible patients. Rigidity following succinylcholine should prompt the clinician to consider malignant hyperthermia but has been associated with other myopathic conditions as discussed.