Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy as a complication of adrenal cortex insufficiency: a case report

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular manifestations associated with Addison’s disease are previously documented. We described a case of an 11-year-old girl who developed dilated cardiomyopathy as a complication to Addison’s disease. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy resulted in near-complete recovery of cardiac function. It is the first reported case of reversible cardiomyopathy as a complication of primary adrenal insufficiency in Syria. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year-old Caucasian girl with no significant past medical history presented with abdominal pain, vomiting after meals, and a low-grade fever. A physical examination and laboratory evaluation suggested primary adrenal insufficiency. An echocardiogram showed changes consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy. Causes of primary adrenal insufficiency other than autoimmune were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare complication of primary adrenal insufficiency. Proper treatment of adrenal insufficiency with glucocorticoid replacement therapy resulted in restoration of normal cardiac function.