title: [Dilated cardiomyopathy and autoimmunity: an overview of current knowledge and perspectives].
abstract: The diagnosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is assigned to patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and dilatation in the absence of any other documented cause. Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is presumed to have a multifactorial origin, possibly including autoimmune mechanisms. We reviewed the current state of knowledge of this topic, including a pathophysiological hypothesis postulating a relation between an autoimmune process and sympathetic over-stimulation and systolic dysfunction. The implications for therapy are considered in the light of experience with other autoimmune diseases. The results of immunosuppressant treatment and preliminary experiences with immunoadsorption are reviewed and their future perspectives are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Carlos III. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: San Martín
authors.forename: Angel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Francisco J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Terol
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000502:physiology*; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D001324:Autoantigens; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents