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Published on: May 16, 2020
Dilated cardiomyopathy: etio-morphologic investigation
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. brian.chiu@capitalhealth.ca
Insights
Dilated cardiomyopathy, a common heart condition, involves heart chamber dilation and impaired pumping. This study reviewed the causes and features of explanted hearts from transplant recipients to better understand this complex disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Developmental Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- The heart forms early in vertebrate embryogenesis and is vital for life.
- Compromised heart function leads to chamber dilation and altered circulation.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) presents variably, from asymptomatic to heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the etiologic and morphologic features of explanted adult hearts with DCM.
- To analyze hearts from patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 86 explanted adult hearts.
- Analysis of hearts from patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Study period: 1997-2008.
Main Results:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy exhibits nonspecific pathologic features, complicating etiological identification.
- Etiologic and morphologic characteristics were examined in explanted hearts.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the etiologic and morphologic features of DCM is crucial.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the diverse causes of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Abstract:
The heart is the first organ to form and to function during vertebrate embryogenesis and its correct functionality is a "conditio sine qua non" for life. If the heart's pumping power is compromised, chambers dilate and pulmonary and systemic circulations are altered. Dilated cardiomyopathy can appear along a wide spectrum of presentations, including no symptoms, subtle symptoms or heart failure, which occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood to the periphery and oxygenate the organs. Dilated cardiomyopathy, the most common form of cardiomyopathy, is characterized by a particular complex of nonspecific pathologic features that do not necessarily identify the different etiologies. In this study, we review the etiologic and morphologic features of 86 explanted recipient adult hearts with dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation between 1997 and 2008.
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