A case of dilated cardiomyopathy manifested by exercise-induced left bundle branch block
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Published on: December 11, 2017
1Division of Cardiology, Yamada Red Cross Hospita Mie, Japan.
Insights
This study details a rare case where exercise-induced left bundle branch block preceded dilated cardiomyopathy. Long-term observation is crucial for patients with exercise-induced left bundle branch block and no initial underlying disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiomyopathy Research
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious heart condition.
- Left bundle branch block can be a symptom of underlying heart issues.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old female presented with exercise-induced left bundle branch block.
- Initial tests, including chest X-ray and echocardiography, were normal.
- Two years later, she developed exertional dyspnea, cardiomegaly, and impaired left ventricular function.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy via left ventricular myocardial biopsy.
- This case is unique as exercise-induced left bundle branch block preceded the development of left ventricular dysfunction.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of long-term monitoring for patients with exercise-induced left bundle branch block.
- Suggests a potential early indicator for dilated cardiomyopathy in specific patient groups.
- Emphasizes the need for further research into the relationship between exercise-induced LBBB and cardiomyopathy development.
Abstract:
We report an extremely rare case of dilated cardiomyopathy manifested by exercise-induced left bundle branch block. A 63-year-old female came to our hospital because supraventricular arrhythmia had been detected at a check-up. A treadmill exercise test induced left bundle branch block. However, chest X-ray and echocardiography revealed no abnormal finding. Two years later, the patient experienced exertional dyspnea. A chest X-ray examination showed cardiomegaly, and echocardiography showed a moderate impairment of left ventricular function with left ventricular dilatation. The diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy was made by left ventricular myocardial biopsy. No previous cases have initially shown exercise-induced left bundle branch block which was followed by left ventricular dysfunction due to dilated cardiomyopathy. Careful long-term observation of the clinical course is necessary in patients with exercise-induced left bundle branch block which shows no significant underlying disease.
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