Dilated Cardiomyopathy Attributed to Hypothyroidism: Clinical Case and Literature Overview

Dilated cardiomyopathies generally carry a poor prognosis due to progressive and often irreversible myocardial dysfunction. In rare cases, a metabolic etiology may be identified, allowing for significant improvement in cardiac function with appropriate treatment. Prolonged hypothyroidism is known to reduce myocardial contractility; however, its direct role in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy with heart failure remains a matter of debate. We report the case of a patient with severe peripheral hypothyroidism associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and global heart failure. Hormone replacement therapy leading to the restoration of euthyroidism resulted in marked improvement of cardiac function. This case highlights the importance of screening for hypothyroidism in all patients presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology.