Dilated cardiomyopathy: a review
- 1Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 2Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 3Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Jagdish Butany, Department of Pathology, E11-444, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2C4; jagdish.butany{at}uhn.on.ca
- Accepted 22 September 2008
- Published Online First 18 November 2008
Abstract
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.
Footnotes
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Competing interests: None.
