Dilated cardiomyopathy overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Dilated cardiomyopathy''' is a condition of the heart that causes [[dilation]] and impaired contraction of the [[left ventricle]] (or both ventricles). Impaired contraction is defined as a low [[ejection fraction]] (< 40%). | '''Dilated cardiomyopathy''' is a condition of the heart that causes [[dilation]] and impaired contraction of the [[left ventricle]] (or both ventricles). Impaired contraction is defined as a low [[ejection fraction]] (< 40%). | ||
==Pathophysiology== | |||
Familial traits and mitochondrial inheritance are thought to play a part in the development of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, and the inheritance occurs in an [[autosomal dominant]] pattern. Connective tissue disease, and other diseases or toxins that disrupt the tissue of the heart are also implicated in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. | |||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. The most common cause is idiopathic in 50% of cases. The next most common cause is myocarditis in 10% of cases. | There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. The most common cause is idiopathic in 50% of cases. The next most common cause is myocarditis in 10% of cases. | ||
Revision as of 21:05, 18 January 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-in-Chief: Sachin Shah, M.D.
Overview
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition of the heart that causes dilation and impaired contraction of the left ventricle (or both ventricles). Impaired contraction is defined as a low ejection fraction (< 40%).
Pathophysiology
Familial traits and mitochondrial inheritance are thought to play a part in the development of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, and the inheritance occurs in an autosomal dominant pattern. Connective tissue disease, and other diseases or toxins that disrupt the tissue of the heart are also implicated in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Causes
There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. The most common cause is idiopathic in 50% of cases. The next most common cause is myocarditis in 10% of cases.
Diagnosis
Laboratory Findings
Endomyocardial biopsy has low sensitivy and the findings are also notoriously non-specific. The findings on biopsy usually involve findings of inflammation and specific pathogens are unlikely to be identified. There may be an increased yield to using MRI to target endomyocardial biopsy. Viral titiers (serologies) are often unhelpful and not routinely ordered in clinical practice.