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Published on: May 16, 2020
Dilated cardiomyopathy as the predominant feature of Cushing's syndrome
Melpomeni Peppa1, Ignatios Ikonomidis, Dimitrios Hadjidakis
1Endocrine Unit, Second Department of Internal Medicine-Propaedeutic, Research Institute and Diabetes Center, Athens University Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece. molypepa@otenet.gr
Insights
Cushing's syndrome typically causes left ventricular hypertrophy. This case study highlights dilated cardiomyopathy as a rare cardiac manifestation, fully reversible with surgical treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cushing's syndrome involves excessive glucocorticoids, leading to high cardiovascular mortality.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy is the most common cardiac complication.
Observation:
- A patient presented with dilated cardiomyopathy as the primary symptom of Cushing's syndrome.
- This contrasts with the typical cardiac presentation.
Findings:
- The patient's dilated cardiomyopathy was successfully reversed after surgical treatment for Cushing's syndrome.
- This demonstrates a potentially treatable cardiac consequence.
Implications:
- Highlights dilated cardiomyopathy as a rare but reversible cardiac manifestation of Cushing's syndrome.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering diverse cardiac presentations in endocrine disorders.
- Suggests surgical intervention can resolve specific cardiac pathologies associated with hormonal imbalances.
Abstract:
Cushing's syndrome, resulting from exposure to excessive amounts of circulating glucocorticoids, is accompanied with a high mortality risk mostly due to the cardiovascular complications. Cardiac involvement is mainly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. We report the case of a patient who presented with dilated cardiomyopathy as the predominant feature of Cushing's syndrome, which was fully reversed after proper surgical treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
