Changes in heart size and volume in certain endocrinal and nutritional deficiency diseases. A correlative study in twenty adult patients.

Twenty adult patients selected at random were studied because of a reduction in heart size, seen on routine chest radiographs. I analyzed etiologic factors, clinical, biochemical, and pathological abnormalities and cardiovascular status in relation to the radiographic findings and response to treatment. Reduction in heart size can occur as part of a wide spectrum of changes in certain endocrinal and nutritional deficiency diseases. Clinically there may be weakness as well as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, electrolytes, electrocardiograms, and loss of weight. All of these parameters improve with appropriate treatment.