Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy in a case of primary hypothyroidism

Dilated cardiomyopathy associated with progressive and irreversible myocardial dysfunction has a poor prognosis. Few metabolic etiologies of dilated cardiomyopathy when identified are reversible and easily amenable to therapy. One of them is hypothyroidism as thyroid hormones have many effects on the heart. We report here a case of a young male who presented with dilated cardiomyopathy and was found to have primary hypothyroidism. His cardiac function improved on hormone replacement therapy. This case highlights the importance of recognition of the effects of thyroid disease on the heart and reversal of abnormal cardiovascular function on restoration of normal thyroid function. (C) 2016 Indian Journal of Medical Specialities. Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India, Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.