Re: immune diseases

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on August 17, 1998 at 08:34:33:

In Reply to: immune diseases posted by Jan on August 17, 1998 at 00:52:08:






I have been reading the posts lately and had two idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy questions.  A doctor mentioned a possible cause of cardiomypathy could be an immune disease.  Which ones could cause this?  Also a doctor mentioned that 1/3 of patients with this improve.  Does that mean full recover?  What exactly does that statement mean?  I have seen that statistic before but haven't known what it meant.  Thanks for all you do!  Jan
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Dear Jan
Idiopathic is a fancy way of saying that there is no identified cause for a disease. No one knows for sure what causes idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. On theory is that the immune system attacks a person's own heart muscle, but this is one of several theories.
About 25% of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy make a full recovery just with the passage of time. This means that their heart returns to its normal size and their symptoms go away. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen to everyone with dilated cardiomyopathy.
I hope this answers your questions. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our cardiologists here at the Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your physician(s).