Abstract
CONTEXT
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a significant health problem in Africa. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging as it frequently affects young patients and those without risk factors for cardiac disease.
ISSUE
A previously well HIV negative 17 year old boy presented to Mseleni hospital in December 2011 with a short history of worsening shortness of breath on exertion. The history had been preceded by a brief upper respiratory tract infection with general malaise and headache, from which he had recovered fully. On examination, he was clammy, peripherally shut down and clearly in respiratory distress. He had a raised jugular venous pressure (JVP) and palpable displaced apex beat. He had a loud P2, third heart sound and pansystolic murmur over the apex. He had scattered inspiratory crepitations bibasally. Routine blood tests on admission, including malaria and viral serology, were unremarkable. A chest x-ray showed a grossly dilated cardiac shadow and enlarged pulmonary trunk. A cardiac ultrasound ruled out pericardial effusion but did show a dilated and hypokinetic left ventricle. He was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to a viral infection and managed accordingly.
LESSONS LEARNED
Dilated cardiomyopathy, although rare worldwide, is a significant problem throughout Africa. It has been shown to account for up to 48% of admissions with heart failure. Its aetiology is multifactorial and includes exposure to toxins and infectious agents. Presenting symptoms can be vague but improved prognosis and outcomes require prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.
TY - JOUR
T1 - A case of dilated cardiomyopathy.
AU - Binham,J D,
AU - Fredlund,V,
Y1 - 2012/11/02/
PY - 2012/11/6/entrez
PY - 2012/11/6/pubmed
PY - 2013/4/10/medline
SP - 2143
EP - 2143
JF - Rural and remote health
JO - Rural Remote Health
VL - 12
N2 - CONTEXT: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a significant health problem in Africa. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging as it frequently affects young patients and those without risk factors for cardiac disease. ISSUE: A previously well HIV negative 17 year old boy presented to Mseleni hospital in December 2011 with a short history of worsening shortness of breath on exertion. The history had been preceded by a brief upper respiratory tract infection with general malaise and headache, from which he had recovered fully. On examination, he was clammy, peripherally shut down and clearly in respiratory distress. He had a raised jugular venous pressure (JVP) and palpable displaced apex beat. He had a loud P2, third heart sound and pansystolic murmur over the apex. He had scattered inspiratory crepitations bibasally. Routine blood tests on admission, including malaria and viral serology, were unremarkable. A chest x-ray showed a grossly dilated cardiac shadow and enlarged pulmonary trunk. A cardiac ultrasound ruled out pericardial effusion but did show a dilated and hypokinetic left ventricle. He was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to a viral infection and managed accordingly. LESSONS LEARNED: Dilated cardiomyopathy, although rare worldwide, is a significant problem throughout Africa. It has been shown to account for up to 48% of admissions with heart failure. Its aetiology is multifactorial and includes exposure to toxins and infectious agents. Presenting symptoms can be vague but improved prognosis and outcomes require prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.
SN - 1445-6354
UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/prime/citation/23121127/A_case_of_dilated_cardiomyopathy.
L2 - https://www.rrh.org.au/articles/subviewnew.asp?ArticleID=2143
DB - PRIME
DP - Unbound Medicine
ER -
