Combined cardiac surgery and total thyroidectomy: a case report

A 65-year-old woman with aortic stenosis, ischemic heart disease, and Graves' disease had complained of effort angina. She then suffered from liver dysfunction due to treatment with antithyroid drugs. One year after the start of radioiodine administration, she demonstrated unstable angina with palpitation and sweating. Laboratory studies revealed a recurrent hyperthyroid state, and a second coronary angiogram revealed progressive ischemic heart disease. Combined coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, and total thyroidectomy were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful without any problems associated with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Combined cardiac surgery and total thyroidectomy can be performed safely if the perioperative levels of thyroid hormone are maintained at euthyroid or hypothyroid levels. (Jpn Circ J 1999; 63: 1004 - 1006)