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Graves' thyrotoxicosis-induced reversible cardiomyopathy: a case report
Ahmad S Al-Ghamdi1, Naji Aljohani
1Specialized Diabetes and Endocrine Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Clinical Medicine Insights. Case Reports
|May 7, 2013
Summary
Graves
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism.
- Thyrotoxicosis, a state of excess thyroid hormone, can have significant cardiovascular effects.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old woman presented with severe congestive heart failure.
- Echocardiography revealed dilated cardiomyopathy with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 20%.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy secondary to Graves' thyrotoxicosis.
- Treatment with anti-thyroid agents resulted in rapid clinical improvement and ejection fraction normalization.
Implications:
- Graves' thyrotoxicosis can induce reversible cardiomyopathy, even in young individuals.
- Cardiomyopathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of heart failure in patients with Graves' disease.
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