Diagnosis, prevalence, and screening of familial dilated cardiomyopathy

Mary Sweet1, Matthew R G Taylor2, Luisa Mestroni2

  • 1Cardiovascular Institute and Adult Medical Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA; Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Insights

Genetic screening is crucial for diagnosing familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), an inherited heart condition. Identifying genetic mutations aids in understanding disease etiology and prognosis for at-risk family members.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most prevalent form of cardiomyopathy.
  • DCM frequently exhibits familial clustering, indicating a significant hereditary component.
  • Understanding diagnostic procedures and genetic screening is vital for familial DCM (FDC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of genetic screening in familial DCM.
  • To discuss the role of genetic testing in identifying disease etiology.
  • To explore the potential prognostic insights from genetic testing in FDC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of genetic studies identifying causative mutations in FDC.
  • Emphasis on the critical role of patient and family history in genetic analysis.
  • Reference to clinical guidelines recommending genetic testing for at-risk individuals.

Main Results:

  • Genetic mutations are identified in 30-40% of familial DCM cases.
  • Genetic testing provides a resource for families to determine disease cause.
  • Genetic testing may offer prognostic information for some patients.

Conclusions:

  • Future FDC research will focus on the 60-70% of unknown genetic causes.
  • Investigating regulatory regions and copy number variation is essential.
  • Understanding genetic and environmental modifiers and functional investigations will be key.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
716
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
618
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
582
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
749
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
385
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
726