Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
Anaesthesia for amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis: a case review
J Sutherland1, B Robinson, L Delbridge
1Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, New South Wales.
Abstract:
Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis is a life-threatening problem that is very effectively managed by total thyroidectomy, although often many of these patients are considered "too unfit" for anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to review the safety of anaesthesia for total thyroidectomy in the acute management of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis. Information was obtained retrospectively from a prospective endocrine surgical database and from hospital records. Data, including outcomes and morbidity, are presented from 12 patients who underwent anaesthesia for total thyroidectomy as an urgent procedure for amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis. Despite the fact that these patients had uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis and marked cardiac failure at the time of anaesthesia, no anaesthetic or surgical mortality was seen. We conclude that a challenging patient with amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis that has not responded to conservative measures may be considered for total thyroidectomy early in their management. Total thyroidectomy can be performed under general or local anaesthesia with apparent relative safety.
Related Concept Videos
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

