[Progression from latent cardiomyopathy to dilated cardiomyopathy: a review of five cases]

J Cardiol. 1991;21(2):347-60.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

We report 5 patients, who had no cardiac abnormalities at their initial evaluation but progressed to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) during a mean follow-up period of 8.2 years. Their echocardiograms revealed increases in left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimensions, deterioration of LV contractions, and reduction in the LV wall thickness. Electrocardiographic changes were developed of rhythm disturbances, intensified ST-segment and T-wave changes, and the prolonged QRS durations. These findings, especially those of electrocardiography, seemed to be important for an early detection and characterization of DCM.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / diagnosis*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / physiopathology
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged