A case of suspected propofol infusion syndrome after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery

BACKGROUND: Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) is a rare but potentially lethal side effect during propofol administration. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was scheduled for abdominal aortic aneurysm resection and reconstruction. Propofol used during sedation for ventilation after the surgery-induced rhabdomyolysis, heart failure, and renal failure. Discontinuation of propofol administration led to a dramatic improvement in the fatal symptoms, resulting in a diagnosis of PRIS. CONCLUSIONS: We herein report a rare case of a PRIS during sedation in the intensive care unit after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. Physicians using propofol should therefore be aware of the potential risk of PRIS.