A case of asystole following povidone iodine administration

We present a case of asystole due to anaphylactoid reaction after vaginal disinfection with povidone iodine under epidural anesthesia combined with general anesthesia. A 71-year-old woman was scheduled to undergo total cystectomy due to vesical cancer, invading into the wall of the vagina. After induction of anesthesia, epidural injection with 10 ml of 1% lidocaine and cleansing the vagina with povidone iodine solution were done at the same time. Shortly thereafter, sudden hypotension and bradycardia and asystole occurred. Multiple doses of epinephrine, chest compression, transcutaneous pacing and defibrillation were required to restore her spontaneous circulation. The surgery was cancelled. She stayed a night at the intensive care unit, and was discharged without any neurological complications the next day. The serum concentration of histamine increased to 7.0 microg x l(-1), but that of tryptase was within normal ranges when spontaneous circulation returned. The serum concentration of total iodine increased to 57.9 microg x dl(-1), which did not reach the toxic level. These results suggest that the circulatory collapse was probably caused by anaphylactoid reaction to povidone iodine. Epidural anesthesia may have worsened the circulatory collapse.