Dilated Cardiomyopathy Flashcards
What is dilated cardiomyopathy?
Dilation of ventricular chambers and systolic dysfunction with preservation of wall thickness
What are the aetiologies of dilated cardiomyopathy?
Myocarditis Toxins Autoimmune Endocrine Neuromuscular
What is the pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy?
Enlargement of all four chambers, intracavity thrombus and impairment of ventricular contraction
What are the symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy?
Progressive, slow onset Fatigue Dyspnoea Orthopnoea PND Ankle swelling Weight gain
What are the signs of dilated cardiomyopathy?
Cardiac failure Poor superficial perfusion Thready pulse SOB at rest Narrow pulse pressure JVP elevated Displaced apex
What are the investigations of dilated cardiomyopathy?
CHEST XRAY - Generalised cardiac enlargement
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM - Non specific ST and T changes, sinus tachycardia, arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities
ECHOCARDIOGRAM - dilation of right or left ventricle, poor global contraction function
CARDIAC MR - other aetiologies of ventricular dysfunction, abnormal myocardial fibrosis
CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY - exclude coronary artery disease in those at risk
What is the treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy?
Management of heart failure
Cardiac transplantation
