Analysis of One Hundred Cases of Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (IDCM) in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is marked by enlarged ventricles and reduced contractility, frequently showing symptoms of heart failure or arrhythmias. Approximately 50% of cases possess a genetic factor. Diagnosis depends on clinical evaluation, ECG, and echocardiography, whereas treatment involves medications, devices, and lifestyle modifications. In Bangladesh, individuals generally arrive with late-stage illness, yet information on result is sparse. This research seeks to assess the clinical, ECG, and echocardiographic characteristics of 100 Idiopathic DCM patients in a tertiary medical facility Methods & Materials: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 100 Idiopathic DCM patients at Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) General Hospital (2012–2024). Demographic, clinical, and risk factor data were collected, and echocardiography assessed LV and RV function, chamber sizes, valvular regurgitation, and regional wall motion abnormalities. Chest X-ray and ECG findings were also recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and summarized in tables and figures. Results: Among 100 patients with Idiopathic DCM 64% were male, mostly 40–60 years. Common comorbidities were diabetes (87%), IHD (74%), hypertension (72%), and smoking (44%). CXR showed cardiomegaly (94%), pulmonary congestion (92%), and pleural effusion (76%). ECG abnormalities included sinus tachycardia (68%), ventricular ectopics (58%), LBBB (18%), and LVH (41%). Echocardiography revealed reduced LVEF (20–39%), ventricular dilation, left atrial enlargement, valvular regurgitation (mitral 93%, tricuspid 77%), RV dysfunction (86%) and diastolic dysfunction (82%), indicating widespread structural and functional cardiac impairment. Conclusion: Idiopathic DCM in Bangladeshi patients mainly affects males 40–60 years, LV enlargement, reduced EF, frequent mitral/tricuspid regurgitation, with high RV dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction highlighting advanced cardiac remodeling and the value of echocardiography for assessment and monitoring.