Bloodletting-induced cardiomyopathy: reversible cardiac hypertrophy in severe chronic anaemia from long-term bloodletting with cupping

Eur J Echocardiogr. 2008 Sep;9(5):585-6. doi: 10.1016/j.euje.2007.06.010. Epub 2008 Jun 23.

Abstract

Cardiac hypertrophy in a patient with severe iron deficiency anaemia associated with long-term bloodletting using cupping, called 'puhang' in oriental medicine, is discussed using chest electrocardiographic and radiographic images. With iron supply, the patient showed remarkable improvement of cardiomegaly, which is a unique feature of chronic severe iron deficiency anaemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / complications*
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / etiology*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Cardiomegaly / diagnostic imaging
  • Cardiomegaly / etiology
  • Cardiomegaly / prevention & control*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Furosemide / therapeutic use
  • Heart Failure / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Heart Failure / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Iron Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Lisinopril / therapeutic use
  • Phlebotomy / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Diuretics
  • Iron Compounds
  • Furosemide
  • Lisinopril