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A case report of carbon monoxide poisoning induced cardiomyopathy complicated with left ventricular thrombus

Seung-Jae Lee1, Ju-Hyun Kang, Nam-Yong Kim

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.

Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound
|August 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can cause heart damage, including cardiomyopathy and left ventricular (LV) thrombus. Prompt anticoagulant therapy led to full recovery of LV function and thrombus resolution in a rare case.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Toxicology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic, odorless gas.
  • Oxygen-dependent organs like the heart and brain are particularly vulnerable to CO exposure.
  • CO poisoning can lead to cardiotoxicity, manifesting as angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and heart failure.

Observation:

  • A rare case of CO poisoning induced cardiomyopathy with a left ventricular (LV) thrombus is presented.
  • The LV thrombus is hypothesized to result from severely decreased LV function and dyskinesis.
  • Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function and thrombus presence.

Findings:

  • Short-term anticoagulant therapy was administered to the patient.
  • Post-treatment echocardiography showed complete recovery of LV dyskinesis.
  • The LV thrombus resolved completely following anticoagulant therapy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare complication of CO poisoning: cardiomyopathy with LV thrombus.
  • It underscores the importance of cardiac monitoring in moderate to severe CO poisoning.
  • Prompt anticoagulant treatment can be effective in resolving LV thrombus and improving cardiac function after CO exposure.

Keywords:
Carbon monoxideCardiomyopathyLeft ventricular thrombus

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