Acromegaly with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Ramesh R Dargad1, Jai D Parekh2, Rohit R Dargad3

  • 1Consulting Physician and Cardiologist, Stress Test Clinic, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Insights

Acromegaly, a rare growth hormone excess disorder, can cause dilated cardiomyopathy. This case highlights a rare instance in an Indian female, emphasizing the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone-secreting pituitary tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Acromegaly results from excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion, often due to a pituitary tumor.
  • Cardiovascular complications, including dilated cardiomyopathy, are known but rare in acromegaly.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy in acromegaly is associated with significant mortality.

Observation:

  • A 41-year-old Indian female presented with heart failure symptoms after a 6-year undiagnosed period of acromegaly.
  • Her heart failure was attributed to dilated cardiomyopathy caused by prolonged GH exposure.
  • A GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma was identified as the underlying cause.

Findings:

  • The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy and systolic/diastolic dysfunction.
  • The cardiac condition was directly linked to the excess growth hormone from the pituitary tumor.
  • Surgical resection of the pituitary macroadenoma was performed.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical link between acromegaly and rare cardiac manifestations like dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • It highlights the importance of early diagnosis and management of growth hormone excess to prevent severe cardiovascular outcomes.
  • The report contributes to the limited literature on acromegaly-induced dilated cardiomyopathy in Indian females.

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