Dilated cardiomyopathy in the Newfoundland: a study of 37 cases (1983-1994).

The case records of 37 Newfoundlands with congestive heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy were reviewed in an attempt to compare current knowledge of dilated cardiomyopathy with findings in a large and homogeneous population. The clinical diagnosis was based on echocardiographic findings of reduced shortening fraction (FS) in the presence of clinical and radiographic signs or necropsy findings of left-sided or biventricular heart failure. Systolic murmurs were detected in only four cases. Atrial fibrillation was the most common arrhythmia. Histopathological changes consisted of attenuated wavy fibers and interstitial fibrosis. No significant sex predilection was observed.