This book describes the role of basic and advanced imaging techniques in the diagnosis of different types of cardiomyopathy, including dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and infiltrative/storage cardiomyopathies. While the main focus is on echocardiography, the applications of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are also described. Throughout, a clinically oriented approach is employed: detailed attention is paid to differential diagnosis and numerous high-quality images depict the main features of the various types of cardiomyopathy. Consideration is also given to the genetics of cardiomyopathies, with analysis of genotype-phenotype relationships. Finally, the potential value of imaging in prognostic assessment and in guiding treatment is described.

This open access book presents a comprehensive overview of dilated cardiomyopathy, providing readers with practical guidelines for its clinical management. The first part of the book analyzes in detail the disease's pathophysiology, its diagnostic work up as well as the prognostic stratification, and illustrates the role of genetics and gene-environment interaction. The second part presents current and future treatment options, highlighting the importance of long-term and individualized treatments and follow-up. Furthermore, it discusses open issues, such as the apparent healing phenomenon, the early prognosis of arrhythmic events or the use of genetic testing in clinical practice. Offering a multidisciplinary approach for optimizing the clinical management of DCM, this book is an invaluable aid not only for the clinical cardiologists, but for all physicians involved in the care of this challenging disease.