Keshan Diease

Keshan Diease is a type of Endemic Cardiomyopathy caused by the dietary deficiency of Selenium (a trace element).

Keshan disease is a congestive cardiomyopathy caused by a combination of dietary deficiency of selenium. It named after Keshan County, Northeast China, where symptoms were first noted. These symptoms were later found prevalent in a wide belt extending from northeast to southwest China, all due to selenium-deficient soil. The disease peaked in 1960-1970.

The disease afflicts children and women of child bearing age, characterized by heart failure and pulmonary edema.

It has previously been linked to the coxsackie B virus. Current research suggests that the lack of selenium results in a more virulent strain of the coxsackievirus becoming the dominant viral species present in the population of virus, but the mechanism of this selection event is presently unclear.

Related MCQ:

1. Endemic cardiomyopathy in children is linked to the. deficiency of
(a) zinc
(b) cobalt
(c) selenium
(d) chromium

Answer: c

2. Keshan disease is the result of which deficiency :

A. Magnesium
B. Folic acid
C. Selenium
D. Biotin
E. Vitamin E

Answer: C

HIGH YIELD POINTS

1. Other disease related to selenium deficiency is Kashin–Beck disease.

2. Signs and symptoms of deficiency of selenium

• Fatigue
• Symptoms of muscle weakness
• Muscular pain
• Muscular inflammation
• Hypothyroidism
• Enlargement of heart
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Joint pain
• Symptoms of swollen joints
• Cretinism
• Mental retardation
• Growth retardation
• Red blood cell fragility
• Cataract formation
• Macular degeneration
• Pancreas degeneration
• Symptoms of reproductive disorders
• Miscarriage
• Hair and skin discolouration