Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Question 1

Aetiology of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DILATE)

Answer 1

• DILATE
  
  • Dystrophy (muscular, myotonic, glycogen storage disease)
  • Infection
  • Late pregnancy (peri-, post-partum)
  • Autoimmune (SLE)
  • Toxins (EtOH, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, DXT)
  • Endocrine (thyrotoxicosis)

Question 2

Signs and Symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Answer 2

• Signs/symptoms include LVF, RVF, arrhythmias, raised JVP, displaced apex, S3 gallop, low BP, MR and TR.

Question 3

Investigation of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Answer 3

• CXR
  
  • Cardiomegaly
  • Pulmonary oedema
• ECG
  
  • T wave inversion
  • Poor progression
• ECHO
  
  • Globally dilated
  • Hypokinetic heart
  • Reduced EF
• Catheter + biopsy
  
  • Myocardial fibre disarray