Methamphetamine-Induced cardiomyopathy in young adult man: A case report.

Abstract

Methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MACM)

causes structural and functional myocardial abnormalities

that can progress to advanced heart failure and even

necessitate heart transplantation. We present the case of a 23-

year-old man with an eight-year history of methamphetamine

use and abuse who presented to the emergency department

with severe dyspnea on minimal exertion and lower-

extremity edema. He denied any personal or family history of

cardiovascular disease. Urine toxicology screening was

positive for methamphetamines. Physical examination

revealed advanced heart failure, classified as New York

Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IV. He was

hospitalized for three days and treated with diuretics—

primarily loop diuretics—showing clinical improvement.

Rising methamphetamine use and its initiation at younger

ages have contributed to the emergence of MACM in young

patients. This underscores the importance of maintaining a

high index of clinical suspicion in patients with a history of

use, regardless of age. Early cardiological assessment allows

for the detection of subclinical ventricular dysfunction and

intervention prior to irreversible myocardial damage.

We present and discuss the case of a young adult with

dyspnea at rest secondary to severe dilated cardiomyopathy

associated with chronic methamphetamine use.