[Definition and classification of cardiomyopathies and specific cardiomyopathies]

The cardiomyopathies were previously defined as "heart muscle diseases of unknown cause" and were differentiated from specific heart muscle disease with known cause. With increasing understanding of etiology and pathogenesis, the difference between cardiomyopathy and specific heart muscle disease has become indistinct. Accordingly in 1995 WHO/ISFC task force, the definition and classification of cardiomyopathies were revised as cardiomyopathies are defined as disease of the myocardium associated with cardiac dysfunction. On the other hand, since the classification has become established clinical entities, the terminology is preserved as follows: dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy. While arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is additionally included. The term specific cardiomyopathies is used to describe heart diseases that are associated with specific cardiac or systemic disorders. These were previously defined as specific heart muscle diseases. They included ischemic cardiomyopathy, valvular cardiomyopathy, hypertensive cardiomyopathy, inflammatory cardiomyopathy, metabolic cardiomyopathy, general system disease, muscular dystrophies, sensitivity and toxic reactions and peripartal cardiomyopathy. The cardiomyopathies are therefore classified by the dominant pathophysiology or, if possible, by etiological/pathogenetic factors.