The complete reversal effect following angiotensin?converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and beta blockers after the primary diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy

Whether combination administration of angiotensin?converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and beta?blockers (BBs) has a “reversal” effect on cardiac structure and function for first?diagnosed idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (FSIDCM) patients with unclear etiologies and inducements is unknown.

We studied the effect of the protocol on FSIDCM patients. The effect was investigated in 26 FSIDCM patients. The criteria of “complete reversal” included left ventricular end?diastolic diameter (LVEDD) ?50 mm for females or ?55 mm for males and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ?45%; the criteria of “partial reversal” was the decreased rate of LVEDD (?LVEDD) >10% or the increase rate of LVEF (?LVEF) >10%; the criteria of “no reversal” included LVEDD >50 mm for females or >55 mm for males and ?LVEDD <10%, and LVEF <45% and ?LVEF <10%.

Within the follow?up period, nine patients showed “complete reversal,” eight “partial reversal,” and nine “no reversal.” Improvements in echocardiogram parameters were the most significant in “complete reversal” patients (P < 0.001), followed by “partial reversal” and “no reversal” patients (P < 0.05). The QRS (Q wave, R wave, S wave) duration and symptoms duration in “complete reversal” patients were the shortest, followed by “partial reversal” and “no reversal” patients.

ACEIs or ARBs and BBs have a “complete reversal” effect on the left ventricular size and function of some FSIDCM patients. Patients with a narrow QRS and short symptom duration may have a good response.