[Cardiac arrest at induction of a patient with thyrotoxicosis. Have you thought of anaphylaxis?].

We report the occurrence of cardiac arrest shortly after the anaesthetic induction for thyroidectomy in a patient with decompensated thyrotoxicosis associated with taking amiodarone. After investigation, it was revealed that the cardiac arrest was linked to an anaphylactic reaction to suxamethonium. This accident, unrelated to hyperthyroidism, reminds us of the relative frequency and severity of anaphylactic reactions related to curare. This event, in the context of severe cardiac insufficiency, due to an amiodarone-associated thyrotoxicosis, is described here for the first time. Its diagnosis requires to remain consistent. Its support must be in compliance with the recommendations of learned societies of anaesthesia. 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.