Dilated cardiomyopathy in the emergency department- from rhythm to regurgitation: A case report

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a non-ischemic myocardial disease marked by structural and functional abnormalities, accounting for the third most common cause of heart failure and the leading indication for heart transplantation globally. Common presenting symptoms include lower limb edema, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Patients presenting to the emergency department with unexplained or advanced heart failure symptoms should undergo immediate electrocardiogram (ECG) and bedside echocardiography to aid diagnosis. This case highlights the clinical relevance of early echocardiographic assessment in the emergency setting and its role in recognizing DCM with uncommon features, such as abnormal skin pigmentation that may indicate a genetic etiology.