global hypokynisis

[mgbemt]

Sir,
  I am a 37 year old male diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease in 2004. I been periodically experiencing sharp chest pains off and on for quite some time (months to year). I been undergoing alot of stress lately losing my job to the CMT and peripheral neuropathy. My physician decided better safe than sorry to have a stress test completed (pharmacalogically). It showed narrowing and straightening of my septum and a EF of 42. I then had a Echo and it showed mld global Hypokinesis and a TR abnormality. They requested that if I have CP or SOB/swelling I report ASAP to ED. I am a little worried about this diagnosis and wanted to know where I stand as far as a professional opinion of the results presented? I appreciate your assistance and I am in fll knowledge your opinion is just that and won't be taken as medical advice. Thanks and I will check status for a reply periodically. If anyone ese has any comments feel free to reply. Thanks ALL

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

I actually had to look this one up.  I wasn't aware of any heart problems related to CMTD.  I have read about some conduction problems (electrical system of the heart) with CMTD but not related to heart function of cardiomyopathies.  There are case reports of CMTD and cardiomyopathies, but there is not a clear consensus about wheterh CMTD is the driver (the cause) or if it is coincidence.  The article I pasted the link to below suggests that there is not a definite relationship.

For that reason, if I saw a patient in clinic with similar problems, I would treat them as I would any other cardiomyopathy: beta blocker, ACEI or ARB, diuretic if necessary.

I hope this helps.  Thanks for posting.




http://www.residentandstaff.com/issues/articles/2006-06_12.asp

[mgbemt]

Thanks so much for the reply. It is awesome that you can offer your guidance in such a professional manner. Thanks