An endemic cardiomyopathy characterised by multifocal myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, described in regions of China with selenium-depleted soil, is attributed to deficiency of which trace element?
- A Chromium
- B Selenium ✓
- C Molybdenum
- D Manganese
Correct answer: B. Selenium
Explanation
Keshan disease is an endemic juvenile and adult cardiomyopathy occurring in low-selenium soil belts of China; it is prevented by selenium supplementation. Its companion condition, Kashin-Beck disease, is an endemic osteoarthropathy also linked to selenium-poor environments and serves as the classic confounder. Chromium, molybdenum and manganese deficiencies have no established human cardiomyopathy syndromes.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.