title: Dilated cardiomyopathy associated with chronic overuse of an adrenaline inhaler.
abstract: Endogenous catecholamines in excess are known to cause dilated cardiomyopathy. A patient presented with dilated cardiomyopathy after many years of overusing an adrenaline inhaler. Pathological features and a considerable improvement in myocardial function after withdrawal implicated the exogenous catecholamine excess in the pathogenesis of the cardiomyopathy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Milesmark Hospital, Dunfermline.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Boon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004837:Epinephrine