They found that deletions affecting the amino-terminal domain (deletions of exons 2 to 9 of the DMD gene) are associated with early-onset DCM (mid-20s), while deletions removing part of the rod domain and hinge 3 (deletions of exons 45 to 49) have a later onset DCM (mid-40s). Here, DMD is linked to familial dilated cardiomyopathy.