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[Reversible hypokinetic cardiomyopathy revealing severe hypocalcemia]
J C Charniot1, A Alexeeva, S Laurent
1Service de cardiologie, hôpital Avicenne, 125, route de Stalingrad, 93009 Bobigny.
Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|August 10, 2001
Summary
Severe hypocalcemia due to primary hypoparathyroidism can cause dilated cardiomyopathy and cardiac failure. Treatment of hypocalcemia can reverse cardiac dysfunction, highlighting this biochemical abnormality as a treatable cause of heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is often idiopathic or secondary to toxins or infections.
- Biochemical abnormalities are less common causes of DCM.
- Primary hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient parathyroid hormone production.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old woman presented with new-onset cardiac failure.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed sinus tachycardia and a prolonged QT interval (560 ms).
- Echocardiography showed dilated hypokinetic cardiomyopathy with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (20%).
Findings:
- Aetiological investigation identified severe hypocalcemia (0.66 mmol/L).
- The hypocalcemia was attributed to primary hypoparathyroidism.
- This biochemical abnormality was the underlying cause of the cardiac dysfunction.
Implications:
- Primary hypoparathyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Correction of hypocalcemia can lead to significant improvement or resolution of cardiac disease.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of hypoparathyroidism can prevent irreversible cardiac damage.