Infiltrative cardiomyopathy is a type of cardiomyopathy characterized by the deposition of abnormal substances within the myocardium, leading to impaired cardiac function.
Infiltrative cardiomyopathy substances can include amyloid proteins, iron, sarcoid granulomas, and metabolic storage products, among others.
The deposition of these substances results in increased myocardial stiffness, which impairs ventricular filling and can lead to heart failure and arrhythmias.
Cardiac amyloidosis and Anderson-Fabry disease typically present with increased wall thickness.
Cardiac sarcoidosis and iron overload cardiomyopathy may mimic ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathies.
These conditions often present with increased wall thickness, inflammation, microvascular dysfunction, and fibrosis, leading to abnormal myocardial filling, chamber dilation, and conduction system disruption.
Diagnosis of infiltrative cardiomyopathies often involves: echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and nuclear imaging, which help in identifying characteristic features of these diseases and differentiating them from other forms of cardiomyopathy.
Treatment strategies are specific underlying condition and may include disease-specific therapies such as enzyme replacement for Anderson-Fabry disease or chelation therapy for iron overload cardiomyopathy.
Management of heart failure and arrhythmias is also essential.