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VOLUME 20 , ISSUE 2 ( 2016 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Serotonin syndrome presenting as surgical emergency: A report of two cases

Sanjay Prakash, Chaturbhuj Rathore

Keywords : Autonomic dysfunction, clonus, cyproheptadine, serotonin syndrome

Citation Information : Prakash S, Rathore C. Serotonin syndrome presenting as surgical emergency: A report of two cases. Indian J Crit Care Med 2016; 20 (2):120-122.

DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.175944

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-08-2013

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2016; The Author(s).


Abstract

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is an iatrogenic, drug-induced clinical syndrome caused by serotoninergic hyperstimulation. The diagnosis of SS is easily overlooked as most physicians (up to 85%) are unaware of this syndrome as a clinical entity. Diagnosis is also difficult due to its protean manifestations which can mimic a variety of medical conditions. Herein, we describe two cases of SS, who initially presented to the Surgical Department as surgical emergencies. The first case developed urinary retention after the administration of sertraline. The second case developed features mimicking acute intestinal obstruction. Both cases responded to the removal of offending agents and administration of cyproheptadine. There is a need to increase the awareness of SS among physicians because of the widespread use of serotonergic agents all around the world.


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