Dilated cardiomyopathy in Saudi Arabia: a review of 55 cases.

A review of 55 cases with dilated cardiomyopathy seen at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 1404-1405 (1984-1985) was carried out. These 55 cases were analyzed and compared with cases of clinically identifiable ischaemic heart disease. The diagnosis was established on clinical grounds as well as electrocardiographic and echocardiographic studies. The findings suggest that dilated cardiomyopathy is a frequent cause of heart disease in this area.