Dr. Fett....

[SerenaWelsh]

Are you aware of anyone in the continental US interested in genetic testing for cardiomyopathy? I understand that results will have no impact on treatment, but it would be nice to know what sort of genes my children may most likely pass on one day.

[JAMESFETT]

Oh, yes, Serena. Many people are investigating this. One source of info is to go to your nearest University medical school, Dept. of Genetics, and request info. I can name two who have published in the area, and there are many more:

1)Michael Bristow and Brian Lowes, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Division of Cardiology, 4200 E 9th Ave., Campus Box B139, Denver, CO 80262.["Myocardial gene expression in dilated cardiomyopathy. New England Journal Medicine 2002;346:1357-65.]

2)EL Burkett and RE Hershberger, Division of Cardiiology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239 ["Clinical and genetic issues in familial dilated cardiomyopathy." Journal American College Cardiology, Apr, 2005;45:969-81.]