Coronary artery surgery in patients with myxoedema

Thyroid replacement therapy in patients with myxoedema associated with coronary atherosclerosis often exacerbates angina or occasionally precipitates myocardial infarction. Coronary revascularization has been proposed for these patients. In an attempt to evaluate the risks of anesthesia and surgery in hypothyroidism against the possible occurrence of a coronary event during preoperative thyroid replacement therapy, we reviewed the literature and report an additional five hypothyroid patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting without operative complications. It seems recommendable not delay thyroid replacement therapy in hypothyroid patients, who need coronary artery surgery, until a few days after the intervention.