Cobalt Cardiomyopathy (Beer Drinker's Cardiomyopathy)

 

Cobalt compounds implicated:

(1) cobalt chloride

(2) cobalt sulfate

(3) cobalt acetate

(4) dust from cobalt metal alloys

 

Sources of a exposure:

(1) food or beverage additive (to improve foaming)

(2) accidental

(3) homicidal

(4) occupational

 

Clinical features:

(1) sudden onset of heart failure in previously healthy child or young adult

(2) often progressive

(3) elevated cobalt levels in serum and/or urine and/or hair and/or nails

(4) exclusion of other causes of cardiomyopathy (alcoholic, familial, etc>)