Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy as initial presentation of primary hypoparathyroidism

Cardiomyopathy is a rare but life-threatening condition in children. Myocarditis is the leading cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and prognosis is generally poor without heart transplantation. We report a rare case of hypocalcemic DCM due to primary hypoparathyroidism in a male infant. In our patient, aggressive management of hypoparathyroidism significantly improved the manifestations of DCM. He is currently 10 years old and has no symptoms of exercise intolerance. Latest echocardiogram revealed near-normal cardiac function. Our case emphasizes that early diagnosis of this treatable cause of cardiomyopathy prevents serious sequelae.