Dilated cardiomyopathy

General: Characterized by progressive cardiac dilation with systolic dysfunction. Findings associated with AMI, infective endocarditis, and/or hypertensive changes are usually NOT found. There are many associated "causes," including:

• Myocarditis, typically viral
• Alcohol use
• Chemotherapy
• Genetic predisposition; familial cases usually present at 20-50 years of age, and are usually (~90%) autosomal dominant, but may be X-linked (5~10%), autosomal recessive, or mitochondrial, and have variable penetrance.

Gross: Ventricular dilation without evidence of AMI, infective endocarditis, or HT.

Microscopic:

Differential Diagnosis:

Stains:

• Positive:
• Negative:
• Suggested, focused panel:

(Lefkowitch: AP Board Review)

Images:


Cases:

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