Journal des rapports de cas cliniques

Variability of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Presentation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Observed in a Single Patient

Abstract

Małgorzata Cichoń, Anna Bednarek, Maciej Haberka, Katarzyna Mizia-Stec

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DMC) characterized by Left Ventricular (LV) dilation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease is a common cause of a Heart Failure (HF) in young adults. Being the final response of myocardium to different genetic and environmental factors, DCM is the most frequent indication for heart transplantation in young population. Assessment of LV dimensions and ejection fraction is indispensable in diagnosis, treatment and risk stratification. Although echocardiography is the most frequently used imaging technique in cardiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard for LV visualization ensuring precise quantification of cardiac chambers’ diameters and volumes. The case presents acute heart failure decompensation in patient with DCM confirming that MRI could be used not only in deferential diagnosis and therapy strategies appointment but also as an excellent method of assessing treatment outcomes. In this patient baseline and control MRI showed significant LV volumes and systolic function improvement after 3 months of adequate pharmacotherapy, as well as change in cardiomyopathy phenotype pattern.