A Case Report on Ventricular Tachycardia on a Young Patient with Hemochromatosis

Background: Hemochromatosis is characterized by excessive iron accumulation in tissues, particularly in the liver, but also in the heart. In young patients, this iron overload can cause serious cardiac complications, including ventricular arrhythmias.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 16-year-old patient who was diagnosed with hepatic hemochromatosis at the age of 10 years without cardiologic follow-up. He was admitted because of palpitations and malaise. His ECG showed ventricular tachycardia (VT) and echocardiography revealed nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular systolic function of 30%. Genetic testing was performed and showed no mutation.

The patient was treated with Cordarone to stabilize his heart rhythm, then treatment for heart failure was started and treatment with iron chelators was proposed to the family but not carried out due to lack of funds, and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was considered for secondary prevention.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of cardiologic follow-up in patients with hemochromatosis for early administration of effective treatments such as iron chelators to prevent serious complications such as VT.