Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a diastolic heart failure syndrome caused by stiff, noncompliant ventricles that cannot fill normally.

In this episode, Chris and Mars review:

The classic *big atria, small ventricles** pattern

* Amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, and other major causes

* Kussmaul sign and right-sided heart failure findings

* How to distinguish restrictive cardiomyopathy from constrictive pericarditis

* Echocardiography and cardiac M R I

* Why diuresis must be used cautiously

* Cause-specific treatment including tafamidis, plasma-cell therapy, immunosuppression, and iron reduction

Episode pearl: Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a myocardial filling problem. When you see biatrial enlargement with nondilated ventricles and preserved systolic function, think restriction—and then determine the cause.

Medicine Shelf Prep is sponsored by Scrub Battle.

Download Scrub Battle: CK in the iOS App Store for five new high-yield clinical questions every day.

Use promo code MEDICINE1 for your first month free. Introductory offer limited to the first 500 users.