Table 1 Patients’ characteristics of both groups in comparison: Patients with suspected inflammatory heart disease were referred to our hospital based on recent onset of cardiac arrhythmias, undefined electrocardiogram changes, reduced exercise, tolerance or atypical chest pain. Coronary angiography was performed and endomyocardial specimens (n = 9) were obtained with a flexible Cordis bioptome from the free wall of the left ventricle. Patients with an EF < 45% and a LVEDD > 56 mm were considered having DCM disease. Medical treatment included Angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitors 12/30 (40%), beta-blockers in 10/30 (33%) cases, diuretics in 10/30 (33%) cases, Angiotensin II receptor blockers in 27/30 (90%) cases. Anticoagulation with warfarin was made in 8/30 (27%) cases

From: Myocardial insufficiency is related to reduced subunit 4 content of cytochrome c oxidase