Ipecac myopathy and cardiomyopathy

Two cases of ipecac myopathy, one with associated cardiomyopathy are reported. Both patients were young women with eating disorders who came to medical attention because of diffuse muscle weakness. Clinical and electromyographic data suggested ipecac myopathy and muscle biopsies confirmed this diagnosis. One patient had associated clinical and echocardiographic evidence of significant cardiomyopathy. The myopathy resolved and the echocardiogram returned to normal after discontinuing the use of ipecac.