Graves' thyrotoxicosis-induced reversible cardiomyopathy: a case report

Abstract

The objective of this report is to present a case of Graves' thyrotoxicosis-induced cardiomyopathy. This is a case of a 26 year old woman that presented with severe symptomatic congestive heart failure and was subsequently diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to Graves' disease. Despite an initial left ventricular systolic ejection fraction of 20% on echocardiography, treatment with anti-thyroid agents led to rapid improvement of her clinical status and normalization of her ejection fraction. The proposed mechanisms underlying the development of systolic dysfunction in thyrotoxicosis are discussed and the literature on similar cases previously reported is highlighted. Cardiomyopathy should be considered even in young patients with Graves' thyrotoxicosis.

Keywords: Graves’ disease; cardiomyopathy; congestive heart failure; thyrotoxicosis.

Figure 1

Chest X-ray, PA view showing cardiomegaly with left ventricular configuration and pulmonary congestion.