The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 24, 80-82, Copyright © 1977 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Acute clonidine withdrawal syndrome following open-heart operation
WI Brenner and AN Lieberman
A patient who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass developed a syndrome of
malignant hypertension with agitated delirium, unresponsive to
antihypertensive agents, following abrupt withdrawal of clonidine. The
literature on this syndrome is reviewed with emphasis placed on prompt
recognition. The syndrome can be reversed by resumption of clonidine
administration and can be prevented by maintenance of clonidine levels
through the perioperative period.