RESUMEN
Developments in the molecular genetic studies of cardiomyopathy (CM) have led to discovery of a large number of mutations in the genes encoding the sarcomeric proteins. In this study, comprehensive screening of TNNI3 was performed in 36 consented autopsy cases diagnosed as CM, in order to evaluate the prevalence of gene mutations in sudden death caused by CM. In DCM cases, a new missense mutation Pro16Thr was detected. A single nucleotide polymorphism at -8 position of intron 3 (IVS 3 -8 T>A) was identified, which had a significant difference in allele frequency between DCM and control cases. From these results, it was indicated that this study contribute to genetic based diagnosis, risk stratification and prevention of sudden death caused by CM.