A Case of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Sheehan's Syndrome

Abstract

Cardiogenic shock after stress-induced cardiomyopathy is very rare and serious, and a reversible, clinical consequence of untreated adrenal insufficiency that is attributable to Sheehan’s syndrome. A 53-year-old female presented with confusion, congestive heart failure, and hypotension. Endocrine testing, prior medical history, and brain MRI confirmed the presence of hypopituitarism and secondary adrenal insufficiency owing to undiagnosed Sheehan’s syndrome. After glucocorticoid replacement therapy, her cardiac function recovered completely. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy should be considered as a possible cause of unexplained heart failure in patients with Sheehan’s syndrome and adrenal insufficiency. (Korean J Med 2014;87:347-351)