Increased LV and RV diastolic pressures with “dip and plateau” pattern; RV biopsy useful in detecting infiltrative disease (rectal or fat pad biopsy useful in diagnosis of amyloidosis).
Note: Must distinguish restrictive cardiomyopathy from constrictive pericarditis, which is surgically correctable. Thickening of pericardium on CT or MR imaging is apparent in >80% of pts with constrictive pericarditis.
Treatment: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Salt restriction and diuretics ameliorate pulmonary and systemic congestion. Note: Increased sensitivity to digitalis in amyloidosis. Anticoagulation often indicated, particularly in pts with eosinophilic endomyocarditis. For specific therapy of hemochromatosis and sarcoidosis, see Chaps. 428 and 390, respectively, in HPIM-19. |