Question

LV dilation, CHF, with alcohol abuse in whom no other potential cause of cardiomyopathy (no HTN, CAD) should consider:

a) Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
b) Dilated cardiomyopathy
c) Restrictive cardiomyopathy
d) Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Answer 1

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most likely diagnosis for LV dilation and CHF associated with alcohol abuse when other causes like hypertension or coronary artery disease are absent.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of a patient with LV dilation, CHF, and a history of alcohol abuse without other potential causes of cardiomyopathy (such as hypertension, coronary artery disease), the most likely consideration is dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition is characterized by the dilation and weakening of the left ventricle, which leads to a reduced ability to pump blood. Alcohol is a known toxin to the myocardium and can directly contribute to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. In contrast, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves pathological enlargement of the heart generally for no known reason, restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by stiffened heart walls that restrict the filling of the ventricles, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is a condition that primarily affects the right ventricle with fatty or fibrous tissue replacement