Non Ischemic Cardiomyopathy in a 54-Year-Old Khat Consuming Yemeni Male Presenting with Worsening Exertional Dyspnea, T Wave Inversions in V5-V6 and Normal Coronary Artery Angiography.

BACKGROUND Khat (Catha edulis) is a plant cultivated in Ethiopia, East African, and the Arabian Peninsula. Long-term khat consumption has been associated with increased rates of periodontal diseases, esophagitis, psychosis, and cardiovascular issues such as cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial ischemia, and ischemic cardiomyopathy (CM). We report a case of khat-induced non-ischemic CM in a patient with no other known cardiovascular risk factors and highlight a cardiovascular effect of chronic khat consumption. CASE REPORT A 54-year-old Yemeni man with no known medical history but a chronic khat chewer presented with worsening exertional dyspnea for 6 months and associated pedal edema. Laboratory studies were remarkable for elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed normal sinus rhythm with non-specific T wave inversions (TWI) in V5-V6. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed bilateral pleural effusions with interlobular septal thickening. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 16-20% and global CM. Coronary angiography revealed normal coronaries. CONCLUSIONS Chronic khat consumption is being recognized as a dangerous habit with serious health consequences and its association with ischemic CM is well documented. The findings of ischemic cardiac changes of acute coronary syndrome in a patient with normal coronary arteries raises the possibility that khat toxicity was associated with coronary artery spasm due to its amphetamine-like stimulatory effects. Although further research is required to substantiate this relationship, it is imperative that khat consumption be considered a risk factor when assessing for CM.