Pathology of cardiomyopathy from South India

Seven cases of cardiomyopathy are presented with detailed macroscopical and microscopical studies. There are some differences and also similarities between this group and those described by Davies from Uganda. Myocytolysis was present in all cases, and appeared earlier than endocarditis. The earliest endocardial lesion was smooth muscle hyperplasia. Feeding of monkeys with plantains for more than 8 months failed to produce any changes in the heart.