Cardiomyopathy, Myocarditis and Pericarditis

Question 1

Discuss and differentiate between the different kinds of cardiomyopathy

Answer 1

DILATED cardiomyopathy

RESTRICTIVE AND INFILTRATIVE cardiomyopathy

HYPERTROPHIC cardiomyopathy

Question 2

Describe the genetics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Answer 2

• Relatively high prevalence
• SARCOMERE GENE DEFECT
• Autosomal dominant
• Variable expression

Question 3

Describe the clinical presentation of the various forms of cardiomyopathy

Answer 3

DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY
- Progressive
- Slow onset
- Fatigue
- Ankle swelling
- Weight gain of fluid overload
- Cough

HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
- Breathlessness
- Palpitations
- Asymptomatic for many
- Fatigue
- Dyspnoea
- Anginal like chest pain

Question 4

Discuss the possible treatment options of these conditions

Answer 4

DILATED
- treat anaemia
- treat endocrine disturbance
- BETABLOCKERS
- ACEI
- DIRURETICS
- ANTICOAGULANTS (as required)

RESTRICTIVE AND INFILTRATIVE
- Limited diuretic use
- BETABLOCKERS limit ACEI use
- ANTICOAGULANTS (as required)

HYPERTROPHIC
- Avoid heavy exercise
- Stay hydrated
- BETA BLOCKERS

Question 5

Tests for cardiomyopathy

Answer 5

DILATED
- ECG
- CXR
- Echocardiogram
- CMRI
- Coronary angiogram

HYPERTROPHIC
- ECGS/ECHOS?
- Genetic testing

Question 6

Describe the clinical presentation of the various forms of myocarditis

Answer 6

• (signs of ) Heart failure
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain (in 1/4)

Question 7

What is myocarditis?

Answer 7

Acute or chronic inflammation of the myocardium

Question 8

What are the tests for myocarditis?

Answer 8

• ECG
• ECHOCARDIOGRAM
• CMRI

Question 9

What is pericarditis?

Answer 9

Inflammation of the pericardial layers