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Acute necrotizing eosinophilic myocarditis in a patient taking Garcinia cambogia extract successfully treated with
Scott F Allen1, Robert W Godley2, Joshua M Evron2
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Insights
Garcinia cambogia may cause acute necrotizing eosinophilic myocarditis (ANEM), a severe heart condition. Prompt corticosteroid treatment led to rapid recovery in a patient experiencing heart failure and arrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Herbal supplements like Garcinia cambogia are widely used for weight management.
- Adverse cardiac events linked to supplements are a growing concern.
- Acute necrotizing eosinophilic myocarditis (ANEM) is a rare but severe inflammatory heart condition.
Abstract:
A previously healthy 48-year-old woman was evaluated for lightheadedness and chest heaviness 2 weeks after starting the herbal supplement Garcinia cambogia. She was found to be hypotensive and had an elevated serum troponin level. The patient had a progressive clinical decline, ultimately experiencing fulminant heart failure and sustained ventricular arrhythmias, which required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Endomyocardial biopsy results were consistent with acute necrotizing eosinophilic myocarditis (ANEM). High-dose corticosteroids were initiated promptly and her condition rapidly improved, with almost complete cardiac recovery 1 week later. In conclusion, we have described a case of ANEM associated with the use of Garcinia cambogia extract.
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