MALNUTRITION WITH MICROCARDIA

Abstract

Roentgenographic microcardia or a shrinking cardiac silhouette observed on serial chest roentgenograms was associated with pathologic cardiac atrophy in 18 of 21 patients. Microscopic and gross pathologic study classified 17 hearts as brown atrophy, 4 as simple atrophy, with 3 specimens unclassified. The relationship of malnutrition and chronic illness with complicating factors was reviewed. Cardiac decompensation as a sequela of cardiac atrophy during hypervolemic states was observed in 2 patients. Cardiac atrophy was added to the list of causalities of roentgenographic microcardia.