[Role of aortic dystrophy in the etiology of idiopathic cardiomyopathy].

Hypertrophy of the heart of unrecognized origin is a frequent finding on autopsy and in that case is related to the so-called nonobstructive idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Abnormality of the heart muscle is considered its main symptom. According to the authors, involvement of the ascending aorta and not the myocardium is the basic pathologic process. This "aortic dystrophy" is characterized by diffuse ectasia of the ascending aorta and typical microscopic histological signs. Hypertrophy of the left heart is evidently overexertion hypertrophy resulting from the increased volume of the ascending aorta and the diminished elasticity of the aortic wall after the ventricular systole and the consequent greater demand on the work of the left ventricle than in normal conditions. "Idiopathic" hypertrophy of the heart with dystrophy of the aorta is hereditary, it may involve the skeleton also, and may be manifested in relatives.