Thyrotoxic Valvulopathy in a 7-year-Old Child: Case Report and Literature Review
Ujunwa FA
Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Ohuche Ijeoma *
Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Eke CB
Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Chikani U
Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Chinawa JM
Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Children with thyrotoxicosis may present rarely with valvulopathies. This disease is a syndrome complex of hyperdynamic status due to systemic manifestation of elevated circulating thyroid hormone levels.
Case Reports: O.C, a 7-year-old female child presented with abdominal pain that started seven days ago, passage of loose stool that started five days ago and weight loss that started five days ago. Salient findings at presentation were tachycardia, anterior neck swelling that moves with swallowing with a grade 3/6 pan-systolic murmur maximal at the apex. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism at risk of thyrotoxicosis was made based on supported laboratory evidence. Echocardiography done showed severe mitral regurgitation. She is on Tabs Carbimazole and Propranolol. She has improved remarkably and has been on follow up.
Conclusion: Hyperthyoidism affects multiple organ systems in the body and the heart is not spared. Most of the cardiac manifestations are functional and occur as a result of the hyperfunctioning gland. A high index of suspicion is required, as many of the patients present with only the consequences of hyperthyroidism.
Keywords: Valvopathy, echocardiography, murmurs, hyperthyroidism, child