A Severe Hypothyroidism Leading to Reversible Dilated Cardiomyopathy

DCM, a heart condition causing muscle weakness and enlargement, is often associated with hypothyroidism. A 35-year-old woman with no prior medical history was diagnosed with DCM due to hypothyroidism after experiencing chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Echocardiography revealed severe dysfunction in her left ventricle, with an ejection fraction of only 25%. Further examination showed low levels of free thyroxine (FT4) and elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The patient's cardiac function significantly improved over several months following the initiation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The case highlights the importance of timely identification and management of hypothyroidism-induced DCM to prevent further cardiac complications.