Choreiform movements associated with the use of extracorporeal circulation in an adult patient undergoing cardiac surgery: case report

Mariana C. Ortiz-Hernández, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Yessica García-Baltazar, Adult Intensive Care Unit, Hospital General de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Paola P. Soto-Sánchez, Adult Intensive Care Unit, Hospital General de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Alejandro Ibarra-Orozco, Adult Intensive Care Unit, Hospital General de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
Ximena Morales-Zarazúa, Nursing Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico

Chorea or choreiform movements associated with prolonged extracorporeal circulation time are more commonly observed in children, with only a limited number of cases reported in adults. These movements are characterized by fluid, random, and contorted motions that may affect the face, neck, or limbs, typically appearing within 3 to 12 days following cardiac surgery. Although the exact etiology remains unclear, the symptoms are believed to be secondary to focal lesions in the basal ganglia. Currently, there is no specific treatment for this condition, and management is primarily symptomatic. We present the case of a 68-year-old male who developed choreiform movements in his right lower limb three days after undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery.

Keywords: Cardiac surgery. Extracorporeal circulation. Choreiform movements. Case report.