Malignant Hyperpyrexia in Cervical Spine Injury

Abstract

Pyrexia is an elevation of body temperature above the normal range due to an increase in the hypothalamic thermoregulatory set point. Hyperpyrexia is an extreme elevation of body temperature equal to or greater than 41.5°C (106.7°F). (1) Malignant hyperpyrexia is a rare and idiopathic extreme elevation of core body temperature above 42°C characterized by the acute onset of hyperthermia, coagulopathy and shock. (2) It is potentially life-threatening and can rapidly progress to severe liver and renal impairment, acidosis and encephalopathy. Reported here is a case of malignant hyperpyrexia in a patient with injury of the cervical spine.