Kam A, Sankaran R, Gowda K, Linassi G, Shan RL
Cardlomyopathy presenting as severe fatigue in a person with chronic spinal cord injury. [Journal Article]
J Spinal Cord Med 2009; 32(2):204-8.
BACKGROUND/
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of fatigue associated with cardiomyopathy in a man with spinal cord injury.
STUDY DESIGN: Case report. SUBJECT: An obese 35-year-old man with long-term ASIA A L2 paraplegia, accompanied by a 2-year history of progressive severe fatigue.
METHODS: Physical examination showed obesity, hypertension, tachycardia, and pitting edema. An echocardiogram showed a 20% ejection fraction, severe dilation, and global hypokinesis in the left ventricle and mild to moderate mitral regurgitation.
RESULTS: Symptoms improved after treatment with furosemide, warfarin, ramipril, and continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea.
CONCLUSION: Severe progressive fatigue in a patient with chronic SCI may signal cardiomyopathy. Diagnostic studies may be warranted in patients with progressive fatigue.
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