title: [Dilated cardiomyopathy].
abstract: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has a familial accumulation in 20-50% of cases and, therefore, frequently has a genetic cause. Currently, numerous mutations are known in more than 40 genes, which account for around 20% of familial cases. The structured evaluation of family history with recording of a family tree is an obligatory part of the initial diagnosis of DCM. By evaluation of family members other persons at risk can be identified. With the exception of the lamin A/C gene (LMNA), genetic testing does not allow risk stratification. DCM caused by LMNA mutations is associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. In cases of familial conduction disease, sudden cardiac death and a concomitant muscle disease LMNA mutation should be excluded. Implantation of an ICD is indicated if the LVEF is chronically less than 35% independent from etiology. This applies with some restrictions for asymptomatic patients in NYHA class I. Patients should receive optimal drug therapy for 3-12 months before ICD implantation.
authors.affiliation: Innere Medizin III-Kardiologie, Angiologie und Pneumologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. philipp.ehlermann@med.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ehlermann
authors.forename: Hugo A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Katus
mesh_terms: D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015996:Survival Rate