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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
10:21
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
Published on: June 14, 2016
Myocardial texture in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Maria-Angela Losi1, Sandro Betocchi, Marcello Chinali
1Department of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, Federico II University School of Medicine, Naples, Italy.
Summary
Integrated backscatter signal (IBS) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients correlates with diastolic dysfunction and predicts ventricular arrhythmias. This finding offers new insights into assessing cardiac stiffness and arrhythmia risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex cardiac condition.
- Diastolic dysfunction is a key feature of HCM.
- Assessing diastolic properties and arrhythmia risk in HCM is clinically important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between integrated backscatter signal at end diastole (IBS) and diastolic function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- To explore the association of IBS with ventricular arrhythmias in HCM patients.
Main Methods:
- Septal IBS was calculated using regression correction (IBSc) and pericardial reflectivity (IBSp) in 46 HCM patients.
- Diastolic filling was assessed by measuring the difference in duration between transmitral forward and pulmonary venous backward velocities (A-Ar).
- Ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring was performed in 38 patients.
Main Results:
- IBS showed an inverse correlation with A-Ar (IBSc, r = -.522, P < .001; IBSp, r = -.302, P = .041), indicating a link to diastolic filling.
- IBS correlated with mitral peak velocity at atrial contraction (IBSc, r = -.464, P = .002; IBSp, r = -.413, P = .004).
- Higher IBS values were observed in patients with ventricular tachycardia (P = .034).
Conclusions:
- Septal IBS is a valuable echocardiographic parameter that correlates with left ventricular chamber stiffness in HCM.
- Elevated IBS is associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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