Keshan disease

Keshan disease is a congestive cardiomyopathy caused by dietary deficiency in the mineral selenium. It is named for the northeastern Chinese province Keshan, where the disease prevalence is high due to selenium-deficient soil.

It can cause cardiac muscle degeneration in both children and women of child bearing age. Supplementation with selenium can cure this affliction.

It has previously been linked to the coxsackie B virus.