Open AccessNon-invasive evaluation of arrhythmic risk in dilated cardiomyopathy: From imaging to electrocardiographic measures
Author(s) -
Massimo Iacoviello,
Francesco Monitillo
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
world journal of cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1949-8462
DOI - 10.4330/wjc.v6.i7.562
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiology , ejection fraction , dilated cardiomyopathy , risk stratification , implantable cardioverter defibrillator , cardiomyopathy , heart failure
Malignant ventricular arrhythmias are a major adverse event and worsen the prognosis of patients affected by ischemic and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The main parameter currently used to stratify arrhythmic risk and guide decision making towards the implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator is the evaluation of the left ventricular ejection fraction. However, this strategy is characterized by several limitations and consequently additional parameters have been suggested in order to improve arrhythmic risk stratification. The aim of this review is to critically revise the prognostic significance of non-invasive diagnostic tools in order to better stratify the arrhythmic risk prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy patients.