Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 10, 2026

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
08:42

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Published on: February 11, 2022

[Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy followed by midventricular obstruction and apical aneurysm: a case report]

T Inoue1, O Sunagawa, T Tohma

  • 1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Ryukyu University School of Medicine, Okinawa.

Journal of Cardiology
|May 4, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Apical aneurysm in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may not stem from ischemia, challenging prior beliefs. This case highlights an abnormal blood flow pattern, suggesting alternative etiologies for apical aneurysms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart muscle disease.
  • Apical aneurysms are a known, albeit less common, manifestation of HCM.
  • The etiology of apical aneurysms in HCM, particularly the role of ischemia, remains debated.

Observation:

  • A 72-year-old male patient presented with apical HCM, midventricular obstruction, and an apical aneurysm.
  • Doppler echocardiography demonstrated abnormal diastolic blood flow from the apical aneurysm to the left ventricular outflow tract.
  • Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy revealed no evidence of ischemic changes in the apical region.

Findings:

  • The case presents a unique scenario where an apical aneurysm in HCM is observed without myocardial ischemia.
  • Doppler findings suggest a potential mechanism involving abnormal flow dynamics between the aneurysm and the left ventricle.
  • This observation challenges the established hypothesis linking ischemic degeneration or fibrosis to apical aneurysm formation in HCM.

Implications:

  • This finding suggests that ischemia may not be the sole or primary cause of apical aneurysms in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • Further research is warranted to explore alternative pathophysiological mechanisms, such as altered mechanical stress or genetic factors.
  • Understanding the diverse etiologies of apical aneurysms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management in HCM.

More Related Videos

Comprehensive Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricle Function in a Rat Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension07:38

Comprehensive Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricle Function in a Rat Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Published on: January 20, 2023

A Surgical Method for Subvalvular Structure Intervention Through a Transaortic Approach in Normal Bama Pigs07:24

A Surgical Method for Subvalvular Structure Intervention Through a Transaortic Approach in Normal Bama Pigs

Published on: March 13, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...