Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy caused by hypothyroidism

I Khochtali1, N Hamza, O Harzallah

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, Monastir University Hospital 5000, Tunisia. ineskhoc@yahoo.fr.

Insights

Hypothyroidism can cause cardiac dysfunction, including dilated cardiomyopathy. Treating thyroid hormone deficiency with L-thyroxine improved cardiac function in two patients, underscoring the importance of thyroid testing for non-ischemic DCM.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • The link between thyroid hormone deficiency and cardiac dysfunction is established.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant cardiac condition with various potential causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present two cases of DCM associated with peripheral hypothyroidism.
  • To demonstrate the impact of L-thyroxine treatment on cardiac function in these patients.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of two patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Assessment of thyroid function and cardiac function.
  • Monitoring of cardiac function following L-thyroxine substitution therapy.

Main Results:

  • Both patients presented with dilated cardiomyopathy and peripheral hypothyroidism.
  • Cardiac function significantly improved in both patients after initiating L-thyroxine treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Peripheral hypothyroidism can be an underlying cause of dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Thyroid function testing is crucial in the etiological investigation of non-ischemic DCM.

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