An Iron-chelating Agent Improved the Cardiac Function in a Patient with Severe Heart Failure Due to Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Intern Med. 2024 Jan 15;63(2):253-258. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1809-23. Epub 2023 May 17.

Abstract

A 24-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of severe heart failure. Although he was treated with diuretics and positive inotropic agents, his heart failure progressed. An endomyocardial biopsy revealed iron deposition in his myocytes. Finally, he was diagnosed with hereditary hemochromatosis. After starting administration of an iron-chelating agent in addition to conventional treatment for heart failure, his condition improved. We should consider hemochromatosis in heart failure patients with severe right ventricular dysfunction in addition to left ventricular dysfunction.

Keywords: cardiomyopathy; iron overload; tricuspid regurgitation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Heart
  • Heart Failure* / drug therapy
  • Heart Failure* / etiology
  • Hemochromatosis* / complications
  • Hemochromatosis* / diagnosis
  • Hemochromatosis* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Iron Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Iron