The 'Padua classification' of cardiomyopathies into three groups: hypertrophic/restrictive, dilated/hypokinetic, and...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Pathology

Background:

• Cardiomyopathies are complex heart muscle diseases with diverse causes and presentations.
• Current classifications may not fully integrate pathobiological and clinical aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe the novel Padua Classification for cardiomyopathies.
• To highlight its basis in pathobiology and clinical morpho-functional features.
• To underscore its potential for improved diagnostic accuracy and disease-specific therapies.

Main Methods:

• The Padua Classification integrates pathobiological data (genetics, molecular biology, pathology) with clinical features.
• It utilizes morpho-functional and structural ventricular remodelling assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance.
• Cardiomyopathies are categorized into three main groups: hypertrophic/restrictive, dilated/hypokinetic, and scarring/arrhythmogenic.

Main Results:

• The classification provides a designation combining anatomical and functional features for each cardiomyopathy.
• It accounts for both genetic and non-genetic etiologic variants within each group.
• This systematic approach facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of individual cardiomyopathies.

Conclusions:

• The Padua Classification offers a novel, integrated framework for understanding cardiomyopathies.
• It is expected to enhance diagnostic precision.
• The classification supports the development of targeted, disease-specific therapeutic strategies to improve patient management and outcomes.