Keshan Disease

Excerpt

Keshan disease is an endemic cardiomyopathy first discovered in the northeastern Chinese county of Keshan. This cardiomyopathy primarily occurs in regions with selenium-deficient soils, particularly in specific rural and remote areas, leading to severe health complications and occasional fatalities. Studies directly link low soil selenium and local food sources to reduced selenium levels in affected populations. Keshan disease is characterized by myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, resulting in severe heart complications, such as cardiogenic shock and heart failure. Clinical presentations include acute cardiac episodes, arrhythmias, and heart failure.

Recent research highlights genetic factors besides selenium deficiency as a possible cause of Keshan disease, revealing various polymorphisms and mutations contributing to the disease's development. This interplay between selenium deficiency and genetic predisposition adds complexity to understanding the disease.