Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is suggested by the nearly simultaneous onset of symptoms ans signs of biventricular failure. Pulmonary venous congestion is reflected by dyspnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and orthopnea. Systemic venous congestion is reflected by peripheral edema. Fatigue correlates with the inadequate cardiac output. His history of cardiopericardial silhouette on chest X ray is also consistent with a cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy may also present with ascites and hepatic congestion that causes abdominal symptoms, including swelling, nausea and pain. Arrhythmias may cause central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, including lightheadedness and syncope. Mural thrombi may be responsible for systemic emboli.

Cardiomyopathy is a primary disorder of heart muscle that causes abnormal myocardial performance and is not the result of disease or dysfunction of other cardiac structures. It is important to note that our patient's history suggest no other specific etiology.