Dilated cardiomyopathy echocardiography

Echocardiography is the most common imaging finding used to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy. Findings may include ventricular and atrial dilatation, increased left ventricular mass, a global reduction in systolic function, and focal wall motion abnormalities.

The diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy is based on clinical presentation and imaging findings. The most common imaging modality used to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy is 2D-echocardiography. Echocardiographic findings of dilated cardiomyopathy include:

• Dilation of the left ventricle; however, may include dilatation of all 4 cardiac chambers
• LV (left ventricular) wall thickness usually is normal but given the dilation the LV mass is increased
• In addition there is a global reduction in systolic function
• Occasionally there may also be focal wall motion abnormalities even in patients without flow limiting coronary artery disease^[1]

The diagnosis requires a dilated left ventricle and low ejection fraction.

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