Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) and Unexpected Complication: Critical Illness Related Corticoid Insufficiency (CIRCI). Case Report

Cardiac surgery, particularly surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), presents high morbidity risks. This case report describes a 62-year-old male with severe aortic stenosis who developed critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) following SAVR. Postoperatively, the patient exhibited persistent hypotension despite vasopressors, fever, and respiratory complications, along with metabolic disturbances and rapid atrial fibrillation. Adrenal insufficiency was confirmed by low cortisol levels, and hydrocortisone therapy led to clinical improvement. CIRCI remains a diagnostic challenge due to its subtle presentation, yet timely recognition is crucial in high-risk surgical contexts to prevent adverse outcomes.