The Genetics of Dilated Cardiomyopathy — Emerging Clues to the Puzzle

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Abstract
Despite recent advances in both medical and surgical therapies, dilated cardiomyopathy remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This syndrome consists of ventricular enlargement, abnormal systolic and diastolic left ventricular function, symptoms of congestive heart failure, and premature death due predominantly to heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, viral infection, toxins, autoimmunity, and primary genetic abnormalities can all cause dilated cardiomyopathy, but in many patients it is idiopathic. The remarkable similarities in the clinical course, histopathological findings, and hemodynamic abnormalities in patients with advanced dilated cardiomyopathy, whatever the cause, suggest that a common . . .