Dilated cardiomyopathy echocardiography and ultrasound

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sachin Shah, M.D.

Overview

Echocardiography is the most common imaging finding used to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy. Findings may include ventricular and atrial dilatation, increased left ventricular mass, a global reduction in systolic function, and focal wall motion abnormalities.

Echocardiography/Ultrasound

Echocardiography

The diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy is based on clinical presentation and imaging findings. The most common imaging modality used to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy is 2D-echocardiography. Echocardiographic findings of dilated cardiomyopathy include:

• Dilation of the left ventricle; however, may include dilatation of all 4 cardiac chambers
• LV (left ventricular) wall thickness usually is normal but given the dilation the LV mass is increased
• In addition there is a global reduction in systolic function
• Occasionally there may also be focal wall motion abnormalities even in patients without flow limiting coronary artery disease

The diagnosis requires a dilated left ventricle and low ejection fraction.