HYPOCALCAEMIA AS A RARE REVERSIBLE CAUSE OF DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

Authors

  • Bilal Ahmad Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar-Pakistan
  • Saddam Hussain Naas General Hospital-Ireland
  • Jamal Shah Naas General Hospital-Ireland
  • Sher Wali Khan Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar-Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55519/JAMC-S4-12192

Keywords:

Hypocalcemia, Dilated cardiomyopathy, hypoparathyroidism

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by dilation and enlargement of one or both ventricles with reduced systolic function. Calcium plays a key role in myocardial contraction. Hypocalcaemia can lead to a decrease in contraction, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF). Hypocalcaemia is a rare reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. The author presents a case who presented with complaints of shortness of breath on exertion, orthopnoea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, numbness and crampy muscular pains. He had a high JVP, systolic murmur on auscultation, hepatomegaly, pedal oedema and crackles on chest auscultation. His ECG showed sinus rhythm with prolonged QT interval. His echocardiography showed dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction, moderate mitral regurgitation and mild tricuspid regurgitation. His Calcium levels and PTH levels were both low. He was treated with ionotrophes, diuretics, vitamin D and calcium supplements, including both intravenous and oral. With the correction of calcium levels, he was weaned off the ionotrophic support and his ejection fraction improved. Calcium levels if low should be corrected in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Author Biographies

Bilal Ahmad, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar-Pakistan

 

Saddam Hussain, Naas General Hospital-Ireland

 

Jamal Shah, Naas General Hospital-Ireland

 

Sher Wali Khan, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar-Pakistan

 

References

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Additional Files

Published

2024-01-16

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