Genetic Testing For Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by progressive left ventricular enlargement and systolic dysfunction, leading to clinical manifestations of heart failure. There are a variety of causes of DCM, including genetic and nongenetic conditions. Genetic forms of DCM are heterogeneous in their molecular basis and clinical expression. Genetic testing for DCM has potential utility for confirming a diagnosis of genetic DCM and as a prognostic test in family members when familial DCM is present.