Fentanyl-Induced Chest Wall Rigidity 1n a 6-Year-Old Child: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Chest wall rigidity is muscle rigidity affecting the thoracic and abdominal muscles following the administration of high doses of opioids including Fentanyl. In our case, we present a rare case of chest wall rigidity induced by fentanyl administration.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-year-old male patient presented to the E.N.T. department in the University Teaching Hospital of Butare with a 3-year history of recurrent tonsillitis with obstructive sleep apnea and Grade IV adenoid and grade III tonsils on physical examination. Elective adenotonsillectomy was planned and preoperative induction of general anesthesia with Halothane and Ketamine, Fentanyl and Propofol was done. The child experienced persistent chest rigidity that was immediately treated with IV Naloxone.
CONCLUSION: Fentanyl-induced chest wall rigidity is an uncommon but severe complication, especially in children. Once treated very early, the condition successfully improves.