The use of a vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block in a patient with myasthenia gravis: effects on lung function

A patient who was suffering an exacerbation of myasthenia gravis dislocated her elbow. She underwent closed reduction of the dislocation under vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade. The technique was successful but was associated with a 29% decrease in forced vital capacity, from 1.7 l to 1.2 l. The patient did not show any symptoms of ventilatory failure. Her recovery was uncomplicated.