Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A review
- Adriana Luk (adriana.luk{at}utoronto.ca)
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Eric Ahn (eahn039{at}uottawa.ca)
- Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Jagdish Butany (jagdish.butany{at}uhn.on.ca)
- Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 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 both genetic and acquired causes of DCM, pathophysiology of myocardial damage, pathology, and diagnostic criteria. An approach to management is also included, in hopes of informing physicians of a clinical entity, which afflicts a substantial number of people worldwide.
