Acute baroreflex-mediated hemodynamic instability during thyroid surgery: A case report

Abstract

During thyroid surgery, intraoperative hemodynamic instability can be attributed to episodic surges of thyroid hormones. Thyroid storms are emergency situations characterized by persistent hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and end-organ damage. However, baroreflex-mediated neurogenic phenomena due to surgical procedures near the carotid sinus are a likely cause of acute hemodynamic changes during thyroid surgery. We describe a case of sudden hemodynamic instability occurring after thyroid manipulation during thyroidectomy in a 61-year-old man who presented with a 6-cm-sized thyroid mass in a euthyroid state.