Inflammation and virus in dilated cardiomyopathy as indicated by endomyocardial biopsy

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of “quick-freeze” endomyocardial biopsy tissue for identification of evidence of viral presence is an important new tool in the investigation of unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy patients; and particularly those who are not improving with conventional treatment. Alternate therapeutic measures, including anti-viral treatment and immunosuppressive therapy, offer promise in contributing to left ventricular systolic function improvement. It is important to include PCR testing for a broad spectrum of cardiotropic viruses prior to the application of immunosuppressive therapy.