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Published on: August 8, 2022
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a patient with Down's syndrome
Gabriele Egidy Assenza1, Camillo Autore, Bruno Marino
1Department of Cardiology, II Faculty of Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is rare in Down's syndrome (DS). This study reports a rare case of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a 52-year-old male with DS, highlighting its potential occurrence in adults with the condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Down's Syndrome Research
Background:
- Congenital heart defects are common in Down's syndrome (DS).
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is exceptionally rare in individuals with DS, with only five prior cases documented.
- Understanding cardiac manifestations beyond typical defects in DS is crucial.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male with Down's syndrome presented with non-obstructive cardiomyopathy.
- Echocardiography revealed left ventricular hypertrophy predominantly affecting the apex.
- This presentation aligns with previously reported rare instances of HCM in adult DS patients.
Findings:
- The case represents a rare occurrence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in an individual with Down's syndrome.
- The observed apical hypertrophy pattern is consistent with prior adult cases of HCM in DS.
- This finding expands the known spectrum of cardiac conditions in adults with Down's syndrome.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the differential diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities in adults with Down's syndrome.
- Further research is warranted to understand the specific mechanisms and prevalence of HCM in the DS population.
- Early identification and management of HCM can improve cardiovascular outcomes for individuals with Down's syndrome.
Abstract:
In persons with Down's syndrome (DS), congenital cardiac defects are frequent, including atrioventricular canal defect, ventricular septal defects and atrial septal defects. However, in patients with this syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is very rare because only five cases have been previously reported in the literature. We have identified one male 52-year-old with DS and non-obstructive cardiomyopathy. The echocardiogram of this patient showed a prevalent apical involvement of the left ventricular hypertrophy as previously reported in two adult patients with DS and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Although rare, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can occur in individuals with DS and, in adult patients, the apical form is frequent.
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