Saad Ariel K, Lopez Soutric Guillermo, Nowicky Yael, Lerman Jorge, Vazquez Blanco Manuel
División Cardiología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Medicina (B Aires). 2011;71(1):45-8.
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy is infrequent, but its presence is associated with maternal and fetal complications. We present the case of a young pregnant woman with no previous history of cardiovascular disease, who consulted for orthopnea, chest pain and edema in both legs. Laboratory tests demonstrated a hypothyroid condition and a nephrotic syndrome with renal failure. The echo-Doppler exam showed a four chamber dilatation with systolic dysfunction. Treatment with intravenous levothyroxine improved her medical condition. We analyze the effects of thyroid hormone on the heart and vascular system and discuss the pathophysiologic mechanisms of heart failure during pregnancy.
