A Case Report of a Complete Atrioventricular Block Occurring after Sedation with Dexmedetomidine in a Patient Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

  We experienced a complete atrioventricular block which occurred in an elderly woman undergoing spinal anesthesia when dexmedetomidine was administrated.
  Dexmedetomidine was stopped immediately, and infusion of atropine and ephedrine resulted in rapid improvement, so neither her general condition nor prognosis was affected. Her cardiac functions were investigated post-operatively, but since no organic disorder was found to have caused the complete atrioventricular block, dexmedetomidine was strongly suspected.
  When infusing dexmedetomidine to a patient under spinal anesthesia, it is necessary to monitor the patient's condition and be prepared to carry out emergency measures promptly.