Sarcoidosis , hemochromatosis , carcinoid syndrome , and connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma may also cause a restrictive type of cardiomyopathy. The neck veins may be distended. Restrictive cardiomyopathy may be hard to differentiate from constrictive pericarditis . A biopsy of the heart muscle may be used to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, surgical exploration is the only means to definitely distinguish restrictive cardiomyopathy from constrictive pericarditis.
Little therapy is known to be effective for the treatment of restrictive cardiomyopathy.
The goal of treatment is to control symptoms to improve the quality of life. Various medications may be used to control symptoms. Diuretics may help somewhat in removing fluid, which can improve breathing, but excessive use can worsen symptoms. A heart transplant may be considered if the function of the heart is very poor. The probable outcome is poor, and treatment is not usually very effective.