Echocardiography in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common disorder characterized by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. The disease can have different phenotypic expressions and can be genetic in nature with autosomal dominant inheritance. It usually runs a benign course in the majority but can lead to heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Echocardiography plays a key role in the diagnosis and overall management of the condition. It is useful in diagnosis, differentiation of different types (obstructive vs nonobstructive), in systematic evaluation of associated abnormalities (like mitral regurgitation), helps in selection of appropriate treatment and is helpful in guiding the intervention procedures for the condition. Certain echocardiographic measures are predictors of SCD. The review describes in detail the techniques and nuances of performing a comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation of patients with HCM.

Keywords

• apical hypertrophy
• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
• sudden cardiac death
• systolic anterior motion