A Case of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Associated With Chronic Toluene Exposure

A 56-year-old woman working in a factory for the past 34 years presented with dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology. She was exposed daily to toluene at work, without adequate protective equipment. A public health department investigation reported that toluene exposure among workers at her factory was more than 3 times the established limit. Toluene inhalation is associated with cases of cardiac arrhythmias, vasospasm, and cardiomyopathy. Occupational exposure to cardiotoxic substances should be investigated in patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy. This case report highlights an association between a case of dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic exposure to toluene.