Asymmetric Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Athletes: Always a Higher Risk for Sudden Death?

Abstract

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may be associated with considerable mortality in athletes. However, differentiating myocardial hypertrophy as a physiological adaptation of the heart to exercise can be a clinical challenge. In this context, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to be a essential exam for diagnostic elucidation. The case report aimed to depict a young athlete with syncope and an initial investigation suggestive of HCM, which was excluded after deconditioning and serial MRI.

Keywords

• Sudden death
• Athlete heart
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy