Doctorne could you please explain....

On one of the posts below you mentioned the coxsackie B virus being a cause for DCM. I was always told that this virus destroys the electrical system of the heart, but not the walls? My daughter was diagnosed with this virus and she, indeed, had electrical problems with the heart (SSS, LBBB, RBBB, W-P-W and a Maheim Fiber) Instead of having DCM she had HCM (4 cm. walls in all of the ventricular walls as well as the septal walls)  Having had this virus, why would she not have had DCM? I don't understand that. HCM was not genetic in her, it was sporadic in her case. I'm curious on your thoughts about this.  

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
HCM can be both genetic and acquired. The acquired form is generally seen in elderly due to high blood pressure. At times like in DCM, the cause is not known. However there is always a strong genetic component. You can get more details at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertrophic_cardiomyopathy
Both dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be associated with conduction effects, though the defects are more in HCM. Coxsackie virus causes viral myocarditis, which can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. I am not sure about association of this virus with HCM. In children there is ventricular hypertrophy, which is different from HCM and is generally due to metabolic disorders. The only thing I can say is that Coxsackie B virus is present in many human beings without causing any disease except for viral flu like symptoms.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!