Livedo reticularis by hypothermia during anesthesia for dental treatment in Down's syndrome patient

BACKGROUND: Livedo reticularis is a benign dermatological condition characterized by ischemic areas permeated by erythematous-cyanotic areas in a lacy pattern, and may be transient or permanent and is frequently associated with body exposure to cold. Cutaneous arterial vasospasm promotes ischemia, and venous dilation of the congested areas occurs by tissue hypoxia or autonomic dysfunction. Patients with Down's syndrome, due to their physiological peculiarities, constitute a representative part of those who require dental care under general anesthesia, and livedo reticularis has a reported incidence of 8–12% in Down's syndrome patients. OBJECTIVES: To describe the physiological livedo reticularis in a Down's syndrome patient, with the onset during the anesthetic-surgical procedure. CASE REPORT: 5-year-old female patient with Down's syndrome, admitted for dental treatment under balanced general anesthesia with sevoflurane, fentanyl, and atracurium. Transoperative hypothermia occurred with axillary temperature reaching 34.5 °C after 30 min after the beginning of anesthesia. At the end of the procedure, red-purplish skin lesions interspersed with areas of pallor were observed exclusively on the ventromedial aspect of the right forearm, with no systemic signs suggestive of allergic reactions. The established diagnosis was physiological livedo reticularis. There was a total fading of the lesions within 5 days. CONCLUSION: This report evidences the need for thermal control of patients undergoing anesthesia, as well as the manifestation of livedo reticularis as a consequence of transoperative hypothermia.