Publication:

Acute pulmonary embolism in a patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening complication seen in psychiatric patients exposed to antipsychotic medications. NMS is associated with medication with dopamine antagonist action. The typical tetrad of symptoms of NMS includes fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and autonomic dysfunction. Acute pulmonary embolism is one of the major complications seen in patients diagnosed with neuroleptic malignant symptoms. Here we present a case report of a 64 years old female with a history of psychiatric illness, presented with fever, rigidity and altered mental status and diagnosed to have NMS. Later her condition was complicated by pulmonary embolism. She was treated with bromocriptine and heparin infusion and improved symptomatically.