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Recurrent heart failure in a child with underlying dilated cardiomyopathy associated with celiac disease: An unusual
Shuchi Mehra1, Ashish Gupta2, Kapil Bhalla3
1Department of Microbiology, Pt BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
Insights
Celiac disease can rarely cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) in children, leading to severe heart failure. Early screening and a gluten-free diet are crucial for managing this rare association.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Celiac disease is linked to increased cardiovascular risks, including cardiomyopathy.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) associated with celiac disease is rare, especially in pediatric cases.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old male presented with life-threatening congestive cardiac failure, severe anemia, dyspnea, hepatomegaly, pedal edema, and elevated JVP.
- Diagnostic workup confirmed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) in the context of undiagnosed celiac disease.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with celiac disease-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP).
- Treatment included a strict gluten-free diet, hematinics, and ivabradine for DCMP management.
Implications:
- Early screening for celiac disease in children with unexplained cardiac symptoms is vital.
- Prompt diagnosis and management can prevent severe complications and disease progression in pediatric DCMP cases.
Abstract:
Many previous studies have shown that certain cardiovascular conditions (including myocarditis, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy) are more prevalent in individuals with celiac disease compared to individuals without the disease. Association of celiac disease with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) is a rare occurrence and a few cases have been reported and even fewer in children. Here, we report an interesting case of a 10-year-old male child who presented to the pediatric emergency in a life-threatening condition with congestive cardiac failure manifested by dyspnea, hepatomegaly, pedal edema, and raised JVP with underlying severe anemia. The diagnosis of DCMP associated with celiac disease was made. The child was advised for strict gluten-free diet and hematinics, and ivabradine was started for managing DCMP. Early diagnosis with screening tests may prevent serious complications and also are essential to prevent progression of the disease.
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