Recently Defined Cardiomyopathies: A Clinician's Update

Ramaraj, Radhakrishnan; Sorrell, Vincent L.; Marcus, Frank; Alpert, Joseph S.

doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2008.02.037

« Previous Next »The American Journal of Medicine
Volume 121, Issue 8 , Pages 674-681, August 2008

Recently Defined Cardiomyopathies: A Clinician's Update

Radhakrishnan Ramaraj, MD
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
- Reprint requests should be addressed to Radhakrishnan Ramaraj, MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724.
Vincent L. Sorrell, MD
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
- Department of Cardiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
- Department of Radiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson.
Frank Marcus, MD
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
- Department of Cardiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
Joseph S. Alpert, MD
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
- Department of Cardiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson

Abstract

Cardiomyopathy is a generic term for any heart disease in which the heart muscle is involved and functions abnormally. Recent developments and ongoing research in cardiology have led to descriptions of 3 previously less recognized or incompletely characterized cardiomyopathies. These entities are being increasingly noticed in adult patient populations. Primary care providers and cardiovascular specialists need to be aware of the clinical features of these illnesses and the best strategies for diagnosis and management. We have discussed the causes and diagnostic methods for these newly described cardiomyopathies and ways to manage them.

Keywords: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, Echocardiography, Left ventricular noncompaction, Magnetic resonance imaging, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy