Rare, idiopathic and frequently fatal process.
Incidence between .007-051%.
Associated with congestive heart failure.
A non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Most patients between 30 and 50 years of age.
Ventricular tachycardia heart block often present.
Associated with autoimmune conditions in about 25% of cases.
Considered in patients with acute onset of systolic heart failure, without ventricular dilatation, and do not respond to standard medical therapy.