Stretching out
A 44 year old man presents with worsening exertional dyspnea and fatiguability for 6 months, which has now progressed to dyspnea at rest. He also complains of orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea but is otherwise asymptomatic.
His medical history is unremarkable, while there is no family history of cardiac disease. He is a heavy alcoholic, having consumed around 10 drinks per day for the last 20 years. His full blood count shows macrocytosis and a mild thrombocytopenia.
His medical history is unremarkable, while there is no family history of cardiac disease. He is a heavy alcoholic, having consumed around 10 drinks per day for the last 20 years. His full blood count shows macrocytosis and a mild thrombocytopenia.
Select Relevant Investigations
Echocardiogram
Performed
The echocardiogram shows dilation of all four cardiac chambers but a normal wall thickness. Cardiac contractility is globally reduced, with an ejection fraction of 29%. There is moderate mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. No mural thrombi are noted.
HIV & Lyme disease antibodies
Performed
Lyme disease: negative
HIV: negative
HIV: negative
ESR & ANA
Performed
ESR: 10 mm/first hour
ANA: negative
ANA: negative
Thyroid profile
Performed
TSH: 3.4 mIU/l (normal)
Free T3: 3.7 pg/mL (normal)
Free T4: 1.3 ng/l (normal)
Free T3: 3.7 pg/mL (normal)
Free T4: 1.3 ng/l (normal)
Select Relevant Management
Diuretics stat
Steroids
Anticoagulation
ICD implantation
