Recurrent hypoglycaemia and dilated cardiomyopathy: delayed presentation of Sheehan's syndrome

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Jun 23;14(6):e242747. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242747.

Abstract

Sheehan's syndrome (SS) is ischaemic necrosis of the pituitary gland due to massive postpartum haemorrhage. The clinical manifestations may vary from subtle to life-threatening and may present immediately after delivery or many years later. We present a case history of a 58-year-old non-diabetic woman who had undetected SS and presented with two unusual manifestations, including recurrent hypoglycaemia and dilated cardiomyopathy 34 years after delivery. The dilated cardiomyopathy reversed partially after treatment.

Keywords: heart failure; pituitary disorders; pregnancy; thyroid disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* / diagnosis
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia* / diagnosis
  • Hypoglycemia* / etiology
  • Hypopituitarism* / diagnosis
  • Hypopituitarism* / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Gland
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage*
  • Pregnancy