CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes Reports 2018; 05(01): e6-e8
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-109432
Case Report
Eigentümer und Copyright ©Georg Thieme Verlag KG 2018

Worsening Cardiac Function in a Patient with Friedreich’s Ataxia Secondary to Profound Hypothyroidism

Bradly J. Thrasher
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
,
Jennifer Whitham
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
,
Jennifer Law
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 21 December 2016
first decision 01 March 2017

accepted 10 March 2017

Publication Date:
20 March 2018 (online)

Abstract

We present a case of declining cardiac function in a patient with Friedreich's Ataxia, however, her worsening cardiac function was not related to her chronic disease. Her declining cardiac function was associated with hypothyroidism that was initially overlooked. The purpose of this article is to remind physicians of the role that thyroid hormone has in cardiac function and overall health. Autoimmune hypothyroidism is a common condition, and physicians should consider screening thyroid function in any patient with poor or worsening cardiac function.

 
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