What does this research mean for the field?

Fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity can involve abdominal musculature, presenting as a pseudo-ileus that resolves promptly upon discontinuation of the opioid. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Evaluate the occurrence of wooden chest syndrome (WCS) due to fentanyl in a patient with respiratory failure. Discuss implications for clinical management and diagnosis.

May 20, 2026American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

C49-45 When the Chest Turns to Wood and the Abdomen Follows: A Case of Fentanyl-Induced Rigidity

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

DMD S MohamedSUNY Downstate Health Sciences University NKN KalraSUNY Downstate Health Sciences University SPS PappasSUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Case report demonstrates fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity causing abdominal distension in an elderly patient, highlighting critical management implications.

Key Points

Evaluate the occurrence of wooden chest syndrome (WCS) due to fentanyl in a patient with respiratory failure. Discuss implications for clinical management and diagnosis.
Described a case of an 84-year-old male intubated for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to pneumonia.
Included assessment of fentanyl dosage (25-50 mcg/hour) and subsequent transition to ketamine.
Monitored physical exam findings, imaging results, and clinical progress post-discontinuation of fentanyl.
Patient developed abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds after receiving fentanyl, suggestive of WCS.
The abdomen returned to normal after fentanyl was stopped, indicating resolution of the rigidity.
No increase in ventilatory requirements or evidence of ventilator asynchrony were noted despite rigidity.

Cite This Study

Mohamed et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a0d4fecf03e14405aa9b59d https://doi.org/10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.5123

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

Case report demonstrates fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity causing abdominal distension in an elderly patient, highlighting critical management implications.

C49-45 When the Chest Turns to Wood and the Abdomen Follows: A Case of Fentanyl-Induced Rigidity

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

C49-45 When the Chest Turns to Wood and the Abdomen Follows: A Case of Fentanyl-Induced Rigidity

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider