A frequent dilemma facing the anesthesiologist is the patient with respiratory tract symptoms. The risks of anesthesia and surgery in these patients have not been clearly established. We present a case in which a potentially serious respiratory complication had arisen. The patient had symptoms of coughing and mucous production. She was a heavy smoker. However, there was no history of pulmonary disease. This report describes a patient who developed left upper lobar collapse after induction of general anesthesia and tachydysrhythmia resulting in ventricular tachycardia and myocardial ischemia.
Anesthesia* ; Anesthesia, General ; Cough ; Humans ; Lung Diseases ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Pulmonary Atelectasis* ; Respiratory System ; Tachycardia, Ventricular*