Determining cause of cardiomyopathy

[Brownie]

Today the local canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation came knocking at my door, and during the course of our conversation he mentioned that his son had died of cardiomyopathy about 5 years ago. He said that the autopsy determined that it was viral cardiomyopathy, but he described symptoms going back into his son's childhood. His son was 25 when he died. How do they determine that it is viral cardiomyopathy on autopsy?

Abby

[Pam Alexson]

There is a little more to it then this but to understand fully you need to look at the differences between each form of cardiomyopathy and also understand the textures and linings etc of each type. An experienced pathlogist will be able to determine which type. Viral cardiomyopathy falls under the category of dilated as opposed to restrictive and hypertrophic. Ihope this helps a little.

Pam