
North Texas Research Forum 2025
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Division
North Texas
Hospital
Medical City Fort Worth
Specialty
Family Medicine
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025
Keywords
dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM, hypothyroidism, acute heart failure
Disciplines
Cardiovascular Diseases | Endocrine System Diseases | Family Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) affects approximately 7 in 100,000 adults annually, with a mortality rate of 50%. It is typically idiopathic, progressive, and irreversible. However, in the context of hypothyroidism, DCM can be reversible. Hypothyroid-induced DCM with coexisting systolic dysfunction is a rare occurrence. This case report presents an exceptional instance of this phenomenon, highlighting the critical role of thyroid hormone replacement in improving patient outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old female with a medical history of hypothyroidism (post-thyroidectomy) was transferred for higher-level care due to new-onset heart failure. Over the past five months, she experienced worsening dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, and bilateral leg swelling with a concomitant lapse in thyroid replacement therapy. Upon admission, the B-type natriuretic Protein (BNP) level was 990, troponin was 1221, and the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level was 162, indicating heart failure and possible myocardial injury with severe hypothyroidism. Cardiac catheterization revealed patent coronary arteries. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated severe left ventricular dilation and a reduced ejection fraction of 10-15%, consistent with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. The heart failure team was consulted, and treatment was promptly initiated with intravenous levothyroxine and oral liothyronine for thyroid hormone replacement and digoxin to support myocardial contractility. Due to hypotension, guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) was limited. Despite this, the patient showed remarkable improvement in her symptoms, including reduced edema, improved fatigue, and better exercise tolerance. LEARNING POINTS: This case underscores the potential for improved outcomes in hypothyroid-induced DCM and systolic dysfunction with timely thyroid hormone supplementation. As the degree of reversibility may be diminished if treatment is delayed, it is crucial to assess thyroid function and promptly initiate thyroid hormone replacement when necessary. The patient had not received thyroid supplementation for five months before admission. Remarkably, she experienced significant symptom improvement despite limited guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), following thyroid hormone replacement. This outcome highlights the potential for reversing DCM and acute heart failure with appropriate treatment, emphasizing the critical need for early detection and management of thyroid dysfunction to optimize cardiac health.
Original Publisher
HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education
Recommended Citation
Lambert-Johnson, Shana-Kay; Zhang, Rui; Yu, Brian; and Mir, Tasaduq, "Humoral Influences on the Heart: A Case of Overt Hypothyroidism and Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Acute Heart Failure" (2025). North Texas Research Forum 2025. 94.
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/northtexas2025/94

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Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Endocrine System Diseases Commons, Family Medicine Commons