confused

1.  Is there a difference between Right Ventricle being midly dilated and dilated cardiomyopathy? Is the dilated ventricle the start of dilated cardiomyopathy or other problems?

2.  Is an echo a true measurement of ejection fraction for someone with a VSD and is there a measurement for right side functions?  With the RV being dilated what would you recommend for follow-up?

3.  Could the VSD be causing the RV to be dilated no matter what the size of the VSD?

4.  What is the normal measurement of the right ventricle and is it common to be dilated?

Thank you for all your help!

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Doug,

1. Yes there is a difference between mildly dilated right ventricle (RV) and dilated cardiomyopathy.  A mildly dilated RV is non-specific and not generally serious or necessarily the start of something worse whereas a dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious condition.

2. Tne EF would still be the same with VSD.  Right sided function can also be seen on the echocardiogram.  The "gold standard" for the RV is a right heart cath.

3. Generally a small VSD would not cause much dilation but it is possible.  

4.  Right ventricular dilation is not that common but neither is it uncommon.