Which term describes dilated cardiomyopathy with no identifiable cause?

Which term describes dilated cardiomyopathy with no identifiable cause?

• A. Idiopathic
• B. Peripartum
• C. Myocarditis
• D. Toxicity

Answer: (A)

Idiopathic describes dilated cardiomyopathy when no cause is found after thorough evaluation. Dilated cardiomyopathy features dilation of the ventricles with impaired systolic function, leading to heart failure symptoms. After ruling out known causes such as ischemic heart disease, valvular disease, systemic conditions, infectious/inflammatory processes, exposure to cardiotoxic substances, and pregnancy‑related factors, a diagnosis of idiopathic DCM is used when no etiology is identified. Interestingly, many idiopathic cases have a genetic basis, with mutations in genes encoding cytoskeletal or sarcomeric proteins contributing to the phenotype even when no outside cause is apparent. The other options point to specific etiologies: peripartum is related to pregnancy, myocarditis to inflammation often from infection, and toxicity to known toxic exposures.

Idiopathic describes dilated cardiomyopathy when no cause is found after thorough evaluation. Dilated cardiomyopathy features dilation of the ventricles with impaired systolic function, leading to heart failure symptoms. After ruling out known causes such as ischemic heart disease, valvular disease, systemic conditions, infectious/inflammatory processes, exposure to cardiotoxic substances, and pregnancy‑related factors, a diagnosis of idiopathic DCM is used when no etiology is identified. Interestingly, many idiopathic cases have a genetic basis, with mutations in genes encoding cytoskeletal or sarcomeric proteins contributing to the phenotype even when no outside cause is apparent. The other options point to specific etiologies: peripartum is related to pregnancy, myocarditis to inflammation often from infection, and toxicity to known toxic exposures.