Etymed
dilated cardiomyopathy
Definition
a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, leading to impaired pumping function
Clinical context
A 55-year-old man presents with progressive dyspnea on exertion and bilateral lower extremity edema. On examination, he has displaced apical impulse and bilateral crackles. Echocardiogram reveals global left ventricular dilation with reduced ejection fraction. He has no history of coronary artery disease or hypertension. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Mnemonic
DILATED = Dilated heart chambers, Impaired pumping function, Usually idiopathic or genetic