Echocardiographic Features of Cardiomyopathies: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Cardiomyopathies represent a heterogeneous group of myocardial diseases characterized by structural and functional abnormalities that can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Echocardiography remains the first-line, non-invasive imaging modality for the evaluation of cardiomyopathies, owing to its broad availability, safety profile, and diagnostic versatility. This review comprehensively outlines the echocardiographic features associated with the major morphofunctional subtypes of cardiomyopathy: dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC). Emphasis is placed on both adult and pediatric populations, with attention to age-specific diagnostic criteria and measurement standards. The article also includes structured tabular summaries to facilitate clinical interpretation and application across diverse patient settings. Through an integrated and standardized echocardiographic approach, this review aims to support accurate diagnosis, effective monitoring, and informed therapeutic decision-making in the management of cardiomyopathies.