Background : Extracellular matrix remodeling are known to play important roles in the progression of heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term prognostic value of serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 and MMP-3 in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods : Serum samples were obtained from 93 patients with DCM and analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-3. Patients were followed up for the occurrence of either mortality or hospitalizations due to HF. Results : Cardiac events were occurred at 34(37%) patients (death: 13, hospitalization due to HF: 21). LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and end-systolic volume (LVESV) E/A and E/E��� were higher and mitral DT was lower in cardiac event group. Serum level of MMP-2 was significantly higher in cardiac event group (298.3짹105.6 vs 221.1짹65.5 ng/mL, p=0.01). However, serum levels of MMP-3 was not different between two groups. Kaplan-Meier event free survival curve stratified into 4 groups according to combinations of LVEDV and MMP-2 showed significantly different event rates (Fig 1). Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that MMP-2 added significant incremental prognostic information (Fig 2). Conclusion : Serum level of MMP-2, but not MMP-3 is an independent prognostic factor and combined LVV and MMP-2 have incremental value to predict cardiac events in patients with DCM.