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A case of hypocalcemia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy
Joong Kyung Sung1, Jang-Young Kim, Dong-Wook Ryu
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea.
Insights
Hypocalcemia, a rare condition, can cause reversible dilated cardiomyopathy. Prompt treatment with calcium and vitamin D restored heart function in a patient experiencing heart failure post-thyroidectomy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypocalcemia is an uncommon etiology for dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Cardiomyopathy induced by low calcium levels is typically reversible upon normalization of serum calcium.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old woman developed dilated cardiomyopathy following total thyroidectomy, leading to hypocalcemia.
- The patient presented with symptoms indicative of heart failure.
Findings:
- Serum calcium levels were significantly low, consistent with hypocalcemia.
- Cardiac function, including left ventricular (LV) function, showed impairment.
- Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D resulted in the reversal of cardiac dysfunction.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of monitoring calcium levels after thyroidectomy.
- Early detection and management of hypocalcemia can prevent or reverse cardiac complications like dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Maintaining adequate calcium and vitamin D levels is crucial for cardiovascular health, particularly in susceptible individuals.
Abstract:
Hypocalcemia is a rare cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. Hypocalcemia induced cardiomyopathy is usually reversible when calcium level returns to normal range. We experienced a case of 57-year-old woman who had suffered from hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy and its consequence of dilated cardiomyopathy. After supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, symptoms of heart failure and LV function were recovered.
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