01.12.2018 | Case report | Ausgabe 1/2018 Open Access

Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy as a complication of adrenal cortex insufficiency: a case report
- Zeitschrift:
- Journal of Medical Case Reports > Ausgabe 1/2018
Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular manifestations associated with Addison’s disease are previously documented. We described a case of an 11-year-old girl who developed dilated cardiomyopathy as a complication to Addison’s disease. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy resulted in near-complete recovery of cardiac function. It is the first reported case of reversible cardiomyopathy as a complication of primary adrenal insufficiency in Syria.
Case presentation
An 11-year-old Caucasian girl with no significant past medical history presented with abdominal pain, vomiting after meals, and a low-grade fever. A physical examination and laboratory evaluation suggested primary adrenal insufficiency. An echocardiogram showed changes consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy. Causes of primary adrenal insufficiency other than autoimmune were excluded.
Conclusions
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare complication of primary adrenal insufficiency. Proper treatment of adrenal insufficiency with glucocorticoid replacement therapy resulted in restoration of normal cardiac function.