Clinical and Prognostic Spectrum of Non-Dilated Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: The Role of Genetic Status

Non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC) presents a unique clinical paradox: patients with nearly identical phenotypes can face radically different clinical outcomes. NDLVC has been recently recognized as a distinct dynamic phenotype within the spectrum of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, linked by a high risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Recent advances in genetics have overcome clinical phenotyping in prognostic accuracy. Specifically, gene-specific scores have been introduced to guide primary prevention ICD in high-risk gene carriers. On the other hand, while gene-elusive cases present a more favourable arrhythmic profile, their long-term clinical outcome is more challenging to predict. Despite advancements in therapeutic strategies, the heterogeneity of the disease represents an ongoing dilemma for risk stratification and long-term surveillance. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of NDLVC management in clinical practice, highlighting the profound prognostic divergence between genetic (both in actionable and VUS carriers) and gene elusive cohorts. By synthesizing current evidence, we aim to clarify how genotype-phenotype correlations influence clinical outcomes and to provide a framework for more personalized approaches in the follow-up and treatment of these distinct patient populations. Furthermore, we address the current lack of standardized guidelines specifically tailored to gene-elusive phenotypes.