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World J Cardiol. Jul 26, 2014; 6(7): 562-576
Published online Jul 26, 2014. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i7.562
Non-invasive evaluation of arrhythmic risk in dilated cardiomyopathy: From imaging to electrocardiographic measures
Massimo Iacoviello, Francesco Monitillo
Massimo Iacoviello, Francesco Monitillo, Cardiology Unit and Cardiothoracic Department, Policlinico Consorziale University Hospital, 70124 Bari, Italy
Author contributions: Iacoviello M decided on the structure and contents of the review; Monitillo F reviewed all the relevant literature; Iacoviello M and Monitillo F contributed equally to the writing and revision of the paper and finally approved the submitted version.
Correspondence to: Massimo Iacoviello, MD, PhD, Cardiology Unit and Cardiothoracic Department, Policlinico Consorziale University Hospital, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy. massimo.iacoviello@policlinico.ba.it
Telephone: +39-08-05478622 Fax: +39-08-05478796
Received: December 29, 2013
Revised: March 29, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: July 26, 2014
Processing time: 234 Days and 13 Hours
Abstract

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.

Keywords: Dilated cardiomyopathy; Major ventricular arrhythmias; Prognosis; Ventricular repolarization; Left ventricular systolic function

Core tip: Arrhythmic risk stratification and decision making towards implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator in dilated cardiomyopathy patients are still open challenges. This review critically revises the possible clinical usefulness of available non-invasive diagnostic tools employed to stratify arrhythmic risk prognosis in dilated cardiomyopathy patients.