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Arthroprosthetic cobaltism associated with cardiomyopathy
Ryan S Charette1, Alexander L Neuwirth1, Charles L Nelson1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Insights
Systemic cobaltism from metal-on-metal hip implants can harm multiple organs. Revision surgery to non-cobalt implants improved cardiac function in a patient with cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MOM THA) has been associated with systemic cobaltism.
- Cobalt toxicity can affect cardiac, neurologic, endocrine, and immunologic systems.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old male with bilateral MOM THA developed cardiomyopathy.
- The patient required left ventricular assist device implantation due to cardiac dysfunction.
Findings:
- Revision surgery to bilateral non-cobalt-containing implants led to improved cardiac function.
- This case highlights a rare but severe complication of MOM THA.
Implications:
- Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing cobaltism following MOM THA.
- Revision arthroplasty can be an effective treatment for cardiac complications.
Abstract:
Systemic cobaltism related to metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty has been published in case reports and series with effects on the cardiac, neurologic, endocrine, and immunologic systems. This case report presents a 46-year-old male who underwent bilateral metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty and subsequently developed cardiomyopathy requiring left ventricular assist device implantation. Intervention with bilateral revision to non-cobalt-containing implants resulted in improved cardiac function. This case report will alert clinicians to the presentation of this rare but devastating complication while also displaying improvement following revision total hip arthroplasty. It is our hope this case will aid in early recognition and intervention of this condition.
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