Total Thyroidectomy while on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Thyroid Storm

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiology
• Surgical Critical Care

Background:

• Thyroid storm is a critical hyperthyroid state often leading to cardiac failure.
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be required for life support in severe cases.
• Managing these complex patients presents significant clinical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first successful case of total thyroidectomy performed on a patient supported by ECMO for thyroid storm.
• To highlight the feasibility and safety of surgical intervention in refractory thyroid storm with multi-organ failure.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 32-year-old male with refractory thyroid storm and cardiac failure requiring ECMO.
• Detailed perioperative management including anesthesia and surgical planning for total thyroidectomy.
• Emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration for patient optimization.

Main Results:

• Successful completion of total thyroidectomy while the patient was on ECMO.
• Demonstration of safe surgical management in a critically ill patient.
• No immediate perioperative complications related to the surgery or ECMO.

Conclusions:

• Total thyroidectomy can be safely performed in patients with thyroid storm requiring ECMO.
• Meticulous perioperative optimization and planning are crucial for successful surgical outcomes.
• This approach offers a viable option for managing refractory thyroid storm with multi-organ failure.