Dilated cardiomyopathy vs Hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy
How to tell Dilated cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy apart when a board question makes them look alike.
Dilated is systolic low EF; hypertrophic and restrictive are primarily diastolic filling/obstruction patterns.
Side by side
Dilated chambers with systolic dysfunction and reduced ejection fraction from alcohol, viral myocarditis, genetic, or cardiotoxic causes.
HCM is asymmetric septal hypertrophy with dynamic obstruction; restrictive is stiff ventricular filling often from amyloid, sarcoid, hemochromatosis, or fibrosis.
Myocyte injury or genetic cytoskeletal defects lead to eccentric remodeling and impaired contraction.
HCM is sarcomere dysfunction with hypertrophy; restrictive disease limits diastolic filling through infiltrative or fibrotic stiffness.
Dilated LV, low EF, S3, and eccentric hypertrophy point DCM.
Sudden death in young athlete points HCM; low-voltage ECG with thick walls and preserved EF points amyloid restrictive disease.
The trap
Wall thickness alone is not enough; ask whether the problem is dilation, asymmetric obstruction, or stiff filling.
Watch it explained
The repair move
For cardiomyopathy, identify chamber size, EF, and diastolic filling before naming the type.
Try a free question
CoreA patient has systolic dysfunction with a dilated LV, reduced ejection fraction, eccentric hypertrophy, and a history of alcohol use disorder. Which cardiomyopathy pattern is most likely?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy causes systolic dysfunction with chamber dilation and reduced ejection fraction.
Why the other choices are tempting
- B. HCM is sarcomere-related asymmetric hypertrophy with diastolic dysfunction and dynamic outflow obstruction.
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy causes impaired filling with relatively preserved systolic function.
- D. Constrictive pericarditis is pericardial constraint rather than myocardial dilation.
- E. Tamponade is acute pericardial pressure causing obstructive shock.
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it.
What is the fastest separator for Dilated cardiomyopathy vs Hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Dilated is systolic low EF; hypertrophic and restrictive are primarily diastolic filling/obstruction patterns.
What clue should make you choose Dilated cardiomyopathy?
Dilated chambers with systolic dysfunction and reduced ejection fraction from alcohol, viral myocarditis, genetic, or cardiotoxic causes.
Quick answers
What is the fastest way to tell Dilated cardiomyopathy from Hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Dilated is systolic low EF; hypertrophic and restrictive are primarily diastolic filling/obstruction patterns.
What is the key clue for Dilated cardiomyopathy?
Dilated chambers with systolic dysfunction and reduced ejection fraction from alcohol, viral myocarditis, genetic, or cardiotoxic causes.
What is the key clue for Hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy?
HCM is asymmetric septal hypertrophy with dynamic obstruction; restrictive is stiff ventricular filling often from amyloid, sarcoid, hemochromatosis, or fibrosis.
What is the common trap with Dilated cardiomyopathy vs Hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Wall thickness alone is not enough; ask whether the problem is dilation, asymmetric obstruction, or stiff filling.