**Core Concept**
The condition described is malignant hyperthermia (MH), a rare but life-threatening complication of general anesthesia. It is caused by an abnormal reaction to certain volatile anesthetics and depolarizing muscle relaxants like succinylcholine (suxamethonium). This condition is often associated with mutations in the ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) gene.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Malignant hyperthermia is an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning that a single copy of the mutated gene is enough to cause the condition. This means that if one parent has the condition, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene and being affected. The condition arises when the abnormal RyR1 receptor is activated, leading to an uncontrolled release of calcium ions within muscle cells. This triggers a cascade of events, including muscle rigidity, fever, tachycardia, and respiratory failure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because malignant hyperthermia is not an autosomal recessive disorder, which would require two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to be affected.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because malignant hyperthermia is not an X-linked disorder, which would be more common in males due to their having only one X chromosome.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because malignant hyperthermia is not a polygenic disorder, which would involve multiple genes contributing to the condition.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Malignant hyperthermia is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with dantrolene, a specific antidote that helps to control the abnormal calcium release. It is essential to have a high index of suspicion for MH in patients who develop unexplained fever, muscle rigidity, or other symptoms during anesthesia.
**Correct Answer:** C. Autosomal dominant.
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