Echocardiographic parameters in reversible idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Reversible idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) is a rare entity. It has been hypothesized that the degree of left ventricular end diastolic dilation is an important independent predictor of prognosis. We undertook a study to identify cases of reversible IDCM and to evaluate the echocardiographic findings in these patients.

We identified 5 patients with IDCM who showed normalization of left ventricular function over a follow up period of 5 months. The findings were compared with those of 10 patients with IDCM who did not show improvement of left ventricular function. The mean (+/-SE) left atrial and left ventricular (LV) dimensions and ejection fraction at baseline and follow-up were compared in both groups.

There were no statistical differences between the mean (+/-SE) left atrium sizes in the cases and control group at baseline [4.52 (+/-0.24) cm v4.6 (+/-0.13) cm; P = 0.758]. Also, no differences were observed between mean (+/-SE) LV dimensions in diastole and systole in both groups at baseline [LV diastole, 6.72 (+/-0.35) cm versus 6.56 (+/-0.22) cm; P = 0.711; LV systole, 5.6 (+/-0.27) cm versus 5.59 (+/-0.29) cm; P = 0.712] as well as in mean (+/-SE) ejection fraction [24% (+/-3.96) versus 21.7% (+/-3.30); P = 0.623].

Based on initial echocardiographic parameters, chamber dimensions and baseline LV ejection fraction are not predictors of reversibility.