Dilated cardiomyopathy: a review

• Published in: Journal of clinical pathology Vol. 62; no. 3; pp. 219 - 225
• Main Authors: Luk, A, Ahn, E, Soor, G S, Butany, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists 01.03.2009; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Adult; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiac arrhythmia; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated - diagnosis; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated - etiology; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated - pathology; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated - therapy; Cardiovascular disease; Congenital diseases; Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Heart; Heart attacks; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Mutation; Myocarditis. Cardiomyopathies; Myocardium - pathology; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Rodents; Anatomic pathology; Congestive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; Dilated cardiomyopathy; Heart disease; Cardiovascular disease; Review; Myocardial disease; Bibliographic review
• ISSN: 0021-9746; 1472-4146
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2008.060731

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cardiac diagnosis that may result as a consequence of a variety of pathologies. The differential diagnosis remains quite broad since many pathologies can present as DCM, and as a result the approach to diagnosis may, at times, be quite difficult. This review article discusses genetic and acquired causes of DCM, pathophysiology of myocardial damage, pathology, and diagnostic criteria. An approach to management is also included, in the hope of informing physicians of a clinical entity that afflicts a substantial number of people worldwide.