Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy: into the thaumaturgy of the heart - Part 2

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a genetic or acquired heart muscle disorder characterized by dilation and impaired contraction of one or both ventricles. In the acquired forms of the disease, if the pathogenic agent is persistent, undiagnosed or untreated, permanent ultrastructural and morphological changes may lead to irreversible dysfunction. Conversely, when DCM is promptly recognized and treated, the heart may show an extraordinary ability to recover from left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. While much research in heart failure has focused on morbidity and mortality associated with persistent LV systolic dysfunction, relatively little attention has been devoted to this remarkable potential for recovery. In this two-part review we will focus on the most common types of reversible DCM. The second part will deal with chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, alcohol- related cardiomyopathy, myocarditis and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Although diverse in etiopathogenesis, genetic background, therapeutic options and outcome, the forms of DCM characterized by reversible LV dysfunction share similar challenges in diagnosis and clinical management. The identification of pathways to recovery may show the way for novel therapeutic targets ultimately benefitting all cardiac patients.