Chronic Mercury Poisoning: A Cause for Reversible Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

We report a case of dilated cardiomyopathy because of chronic mercury poisoning. A 12-year-old girl was repeatedly admitted with severe congestive heart failure. She received indigenous medication for vitiligo for several months. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe ventricular dysfunction (left ventricle fractional shortening: 14%). She had a stormy course in the hospital, complicated by ventricular arrhythmias and multiorgan dysfunction. Careful interrogation and analysis of local medication and patient serum showed high levels of mercury. She was treated with British anti-Lewisite. She improved over the period of time, and her left ventricle fractional shortening improved to 22%.