Abstract Background: Though hemodynamically stable, etomidate is known for its myoclonus side effect following induction. The main aim of this study is an effective attempt to decrease the incidence of myoclonus with a priming agent. Methods: A prospective, double-blind study was carried out on 50 adults posted for elective surgery. After premedication, priming was done with etomidate 0.03 mg.kg-1 (Group E) and propofol 0.2 mg.kg-1 (Group P), i.e., 1/10th of induction dose. After 60 seconds of priming, patients were induced with etomidate by titrating dose over 60 seconds until loss of verbal command and eyelash reflex. The grading of myoclonus, induction dosage, and hemodynamics for 10 minutes post induction were recorded. Results: In the study, only 4 cases had myoclonus. Grade 1 myoclonus was encountered in three cases of etomidate group, while only one case in the propofol group had grade 2 myoclonus which was not statistically significant (p-value: 0.12). There was a significant reduction in the etomidate induction dosage in both groups. Conclusion: Priming with etomidate and propofol is equally effective in reducing myoclonus with the added benefit of hemodynamic stability and reduction of an induction dose of etomidate (> 50%).

Resumo O pseudoaneurisma de artéria esplênica é o mais comum entre os pseudoaneurismas de artérias viscerais. A apresentação geralmente varia e requer diagnóstico e tratamento imediatos, pois a ruptura do pseudoaneurisma aumenta a morbimortalidade. Esse tipo de pseudoaneurisma está associado à pancreatite e a outras condições, como trauma abdominal, pancreatite crônica, pseudocisto de pâncreas, transplante de fígado e, raramente, úlcera péptica. Apresentamos um caso de pseudoaneurisma gigante de artéria esplênica, com tamanho de 14x8 cm. Durante o procedimento, não foi possível alcançar controle proximal e distal dos vasos devido a aderências locais e inflamação, sendo necessário o clampeamento da aorta supracelíaca para controle do sangramento.

Abstract Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is the most common of all the visceral artery pseudoaneurysms. Presentation is often variable and the condition demands immediate diagnosis and management because pseudoaneurysm rupture increases morbidity and mortality. It is associated with pancreatitis and other conditions like abdominal trauma, chronic pancreatitis, pseudocyst of the pancreas, liver transplantation, and, rarely, peptic ulcer disease. We present a case of a giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysm measuring 14x8 cm. Proximal and distal control of the vessels could not be achieved during the procedure because of local adhesions and inflammation and it was necessary to cross clamp the supraceliac aorta to control bleeding.