Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
dilated cardiomyopathy
A primary cardiac muscle disorder characterized by ventricular chamber enlargement and systolic dysfunction without significant coronary disease.
Full Definition
Dilated cardiomyopathy represents a final common pathway of myocardial damage resulting in impaired contractility and ventricular dilatation. The condition may be idiopathic or secondary to various causes including viral myocarditis, alcohol toxicity, or genetic mutations. Histologically, it shows myocyte hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and nuclear abnormalities. The diagnosis requires exclusion of significant coronary artery disease and other specific heart muscle diseases.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from ischemic cardiomyopathy, which has a specific coronary etiology.
In Context
- "The autopsy revealed dilated cardiomyopathy with a heart weight of 520 grams and biventricular dilatation." — autopsy report
- "Microscopic examination showed features consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy including myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis." — histopathology report
Also known as
DCM
congestive cardiomyopathy
Contrasted with
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
restrictive cardiomyopathy
Don't confuse with
ischemic cardiomyopathy
peripartum cardiomyopathy