The right ventricular involvement in dilated cardiomyopathy: prevalence and prognostic implications of the

Paolo Manca1, Vincenzo Nuzzi1, Antonio Cannatà1,2

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Via Valdoni 7, 34149, Trieste, Italy.

Heart Failure Reviews
|March 22, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often involves the right ventricle (RV), leading to right ventricular dysfunction (RVD). RVD significantly worsens prognosis in DCM patients, highlighting the need for better understanding and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) primarily affects left ventricular function.
  • The right ventricle (RV) has historically been overlooked in DCM evaluations.
  • Recent advancements in cardiac imaging emphasize the importance of biventricular assessment in DCM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on right ventricular involvement in DCM.
  • To explore the epidemiology and pathogenesis of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in DCM.
  • To discuss imaging modalities for RV assessment and the impact of RV failure in advanced heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on RV in DCM.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data concerning RVD in DCM patients.
  • Discussion of diagnostic imaging techniques for RV function.

Main Results:

  • Right ventricular involvement is common in DCM.
  • Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is a critical negative prognostic factor in DCM.
  • Genetic mutations may influence the biventricular phenotype in DCM.

Conclusions:

  • RV assessment is crucial for comprehensive DCM evaluation.
  • RVD significantly impacts patient outcomes in DCM.
  • Further research is needed for targeted treatments for RVD in DCM.

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