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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicated with cardiac amyloidosis
I Kohno1, S Komori, K Yamamoto
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Yamanashi Medical University.
Insights
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and cardiac amyloidosis share similar echocardiogram findings. This case highlights the importance of differentiating these conditions, especially in older adults presenting with cardiac symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and cardiac amyloidosis can present with overlapping echocardiographic features, complicating diagnosis.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and improved patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old man initially treated for gastric cancer presented with symptoms suggestive of heart failure.
- Electrocardiogram showed left ventricular hypertrophy, and echocardiography revealed asymmetric septal hypertrophy.
- Subsequent re-admission showed decreased QRS amplitude and echocardiographic evidence of granular sparkling, indicative of infiltrative disease.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with both hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac amyloidosis.
- The echocardiographic findings evolved over time, aiding in the final diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenges in distinguishing HCM from cardiac amyloidosis based solely on initial imaging.
- Advanced echocardiographic features like granular sparkling may suggest an infiltrative process such as amyloidosis.
- Integrated diagnostic approaches are essential for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies in complex cardiovascular cases.
Abstract:
The echocardiographic findings of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are very similar to those of cardiac amyloidosis. A 76-year-old Japanese man was admitted for treatment of early stage gastric cancer in July 1996. His electrocardiogram indicated left ventricular hypertrophy and echocardiography showed left ventricular hypertrophy with asymmetric septal hypertrophy. He was re-admitted complaining of dyspnea on effort and pretibial edema in October 1998. The amplitude of QRS complex on electrocardiogram was decreased. Echocardiogram showed left ventricular wall thickening with granular sparkling. He was diagnosed as HCM with cardiac amyloidosis.
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

