RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Dilated cardiomyopathy: a review
JF Journal of Clinical Pathology
JO J Clin Pathol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists
SP 219
OP 225
DO 10.1136/jcp.2008.060731
VO 62
IS 3
A1 Luk, A
A1 Ahn, E
A1 Soor, G S
A1 Butany, J
YR 2009
UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/62/3/219.abstract
AB 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.