What Is A Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

The Fundamentals of this Echo Finding

Overview

A dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the myocardium that causes fibers to stretch, resulting in systolic dysfunction of one or both of the ventricles. Global hypokinesis is observed on transthoracic echocardiography but regional variation is common. Understanding the echocardiographic findings within this article will refine your technique and reporting of DCM cases.

Left ventricular geometry will present more spherical in shape (seen above) as the chamber dilates and myocardial contractility worsens. Echocardiography plays a key role in the surveillance of ventricular size, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, functional regurgitation, pulmonary pressures, and formation of apical thrombi.

Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction