Echocardiographic features of congestive cardiomyopathy in Nigerians

In this study, we compared the echocardiographic features of thirteen patients with chronic congestive cardiomyopathy (COCM) with those of twelve normal subjects. Characteristically, the patients with COCM had larger than normal left ventricular internal dimensions and estimated volumes in enddiastole and endsystole. Qualitatively the septum had a diminished motion, or was flat, similarly the motion of left ventricular posterior wall was less than normal. The diastolic closure rate of the anterior mitral valve (AMV) was less discriminating between normal and COCM patients. However, the distance between the C - point on the AMV and the left side of the septum was significantly greater than normal in COCM. The excursion of AMV was less than normal. Both leaflets of the mitral valves were recorded easily. Although these features are known, they have not been previously reported for Nigerian patients. Echocardiography is useful in the diagnosis of congestive cardiomyopathy, particularly when there are no facilities for Cardiac catheterization.