Severe Hypophosphatemia Leading to Acute Worsening of Heart Failure and Myopathy: A Case Report

TL;DR

A case report shows how severe low phosphate levels caused sudden heart failure and muscle weakness in an elderly man, improving only after phosphate treatment.

Contribution

Highlights hypophosphatemia as a rare but critical cause of acute heart failure and myopathy in frail elderly patients.

Findings

Severe hypophosphatemia led to acute worsening of heart failure and myopathy in an 88-year-old male.

Phosphate supplementation resulted in rapid clinical improvement after initial treatments failed.

The case emphasizes the need to check phosphate levels in similar patients to avoid diagnostic delays.

Abstract

This case highlights a rare instance of severe hypophosphatemia precipitating acute exacerbation of heart failure and myopathy in an 88-year-old male patient residing in a long-term care facility. The patient presented with edema and limb weakness, with a background of chronic heart failure, kidney disease, and vitamin D deficiency. Despite initial treatments targeting anemia and heart failure, the patient's condition did not improve until severe hypophosphatemia was identified and treated with phosphate supplementation, leading to rapid clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering hypophosphatemia in the differential diagnosis of worsening heart failure or myopathy, particularly in frail elderly individuals residing in facilities with a high risk of vitamin D deficiency. It suggests that measuring serum phosphate levels should be considered in cases of heart failure or myopathy in such populations to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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