VITAMIN-K-INDUCED CARDIOVASCULAR COLLAPSE

A patient underwent a partial right hepatic lobectomy for adenocarcino ma of the colon metastatic to the liver. He was admitted to the surgic al intensive care unit in stable condition. Six hours after surgery, t he patient experienced sudden and severe hypotension, bradycardia, and asystole. Differential diagnoses included acute myocardial infarction , hemorrhage from the surgical site, and pulmonary embolism. However, these complication were ruled out. We believe that an allergic reactio n to vitamin K caused the acute decompensation in this patient. Indica tions for administering vitamin K and its potential side effects are d iscussed.