Infiltrative diseases of the heart

Infiltrative diseases targeting the cardiovascular system are a subgroup of restrictive cardiomyopathies. An early diagnosis is critical in initiating therapy to mitigate the deleterious effects of the pathologic process underlying these forms of cardiomyopathies. Infiltrative cardiac disease is rare and therefore often underdiagnosed. This review outlines the prevalence of 3 of the most common forms of restrictive cardiomyopathy: sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, and amyloidosis. Infiltrative cardiomyopathy can have a variable prognosis depending on its etiology. It is a progressive disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to early mortality. A summary of the pathology, diagnosis, disease course, and therapy is provided, along with the utility of noninvasive testing as a means of diagnosis.