Acute psychosis unmasking severe non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy with biventricular thrombosis and cardioembolic cerebral infarcts.
Bushra Elhusein, Rashma Khan-Kisitu, Alex Hofkirchner
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A woman in her early 30s with a history of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder presented with progressive paranoia and auditory hallucinations. Initially diagnosed with a mood disorder, further investigation revealed severe non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy with biventricular thrombi and cardioembolic cerebral infarcts. Following critical care management, her psychotic symptoms resolved alongside cardiac stabilization, and she maintained psychiatric remission at follow-up without medication.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
This case highlights the necessity of comprehensive medical evaluation in patients presenting with first-episode psychosis to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management.