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[Hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy: rare cause of heart failure]
S Chraibi1, A Drighl, S Nafidi
1Service de Cardiologie, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Maroc. Achraibi@caramail.com
Insights
Severe hypocalcemia (low calcium) can cause heart failure in young adults. A case study showed that while treatment improved symptoms, persistent heart dysfunction remained.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare condition.
- Heart failure can be an unusual manifestation of endocrine disorders.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old woman presented with congestive heart failure.
- Her condition was caused by severe chronic hypocalcemia, revealing primary hypoparathyroidism.
Findings:
- Treatment with vitamin-calcium led to complete regression of clinical signs.
- However, left ventricular systolic dysfunction persisted eight months post-treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering endocrine causes in unexplained heart failure.
- It suggests that prolonged hypocalcemia may lead to irreversible cardiac damage.
Abstract:
Hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare cause of heart failure in adults. We report a case in a 19-year-old woman who developed congestive heart failure induced by severe chronic hypocalcemia disclosing primary hypoparathyroidism. Complete regression of the clinical signs was achieved with vitamin-calcium treatment, but left ventricular systolic dysfunction persisted eight months after treatment.