Abstract

REYES HERNANDEZ, Dianelí L.  and  HERNANDEZ-NEGRIN, Halbert. Dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to primary hypothyroidism. A case report. Rev. argent. endocrinol. metab. [online]. 2018, vol.55, n.2, pp.56-60. ISSN 1851-3034.

The link between hypothyroidism and several cardiovascular diseases goes beyond the association with classical vascular risk factors. However, dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare form of presentation of hypothyroidism. We report the case of a 52-year-old female patient who comes to the emergency room for having wet cough, lower limb edema and dyspnea on exertion, as well as other typical symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism. Chest x-ray reveals cardiomegaly and the echocardiogram reports dilated left ventricle, decreased ejection fraction and pericardial effusion. TSH was increased and free T4 was decreased. After starting hormonal treatment with levothyroxine, resolution of symptoms and radiological and echocardiographic alterations was achieved. The present case highlights the importance of a thorough interrogatory and complete physical examination that provide the diagnostic clues to suspect hypothyroidism in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Keywords : Hypothyroidism; Dilated cardiomyopathy; Heart failure.

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