[Latent cardiomyopathy - an early form of congestive cardiomyopathy].

Ten patients with a latent or subclinical form of congestive cardiomyopathy were selected from a group of 70 patients with congestive cardiomyopathy. Latent cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in view of the slightly decreased left ventricular myocardial function with no signs of cardiomegaly or left ventricular heart failure. Physical working capacity amounted to 89% (normal range greater than or equal to 80%) in the 10 patients. Hemodynamic evaluation showed slightly decreased systolic myocardial function with normal left ventricular volume. In 3 patients left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was significantly increased. The clinical follow-up showed a stable course in 7 patients and a slight deterioration in 2 patients, 1 patient died after 16 months. 5-year survival rate was 89% in patients with latent cardiomyopathy and 26% in the 60 patients with congestive cardiomyopathy. It is concluded that latent cardiomyopathy is a rather rare early form of congestive cardiomyopathy It is usually diagnosed by invasive evaluation because of the slightly reduced myocardial function and normal size of the left ventricle. Clinical follow-up in patients with latent cardiomyopathy is reasonably good compared to patients with congestive cardiomyopathy.