Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
06:34

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography

Published on: October 28, 2020

Left ventricular apical thinning as normal anatomy

Kevin M Johnson1, Hilary E Johnson, David A Dowe

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. kevin.johnson@yale.edu

Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|May 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Apical thinning of the left ventricular myocardium is a normal feature in healthy individuals and those with left ventricular hypertrophy. This finding was consistently observed using coronary computed tomographic arteriography (CCTA).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Anatomy
  • Cardiac Imaging

Background:

  • Apical thinning of the left ventricular myocardium is a recognized anatomical feature.
  • This normal finding is often absent in anatomical atlases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of left ventricular apical thinning in healthy individuals and patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • To utilize coronary computed tomographic arteriography (CCTA) for this investigation.

Main Methods:

  • Coronary computed tomographic arteriography (CCTA) was performed on 64 healthy patients and 8 patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Quantitative measurements of apical thinning were recorded.

Main Results:

  • All 64 healthy patients exhibited a focus of myocardial thinning at the left ventricular apex (mean thickness 1.2 mm).
  • The 8 patients with left ventricular hypertrophy also presented with apical thinning.
  • Functional analysis in a subset of 12 patients showed no thickening or movement of the thinned apex during the cardiac cycle.

Conclusions:

  • A zone of significant thinning at the left ventricular apex is a normal anatomical characteristic.
  • This finding is present in both healthy individuals and those with left ventricular hypertrophy.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Transthoracic Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Quantitative Assessment of Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation09:05

Transthoracic Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Quantitative Assessment of Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation

Published on: October 20, 2016

Related Concept Videos

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...
Anatomy of the Heart01:27

Anatomy of the Heart

The human heart is made up of three layers of tissue that are surrounded by the pericardium, a membrane that protects and confines the heart. The outermost layer, closest to the pericardium, is the epicardium. The pericardial cavity separates the pericardium from the epicardium. Beneath the epicardium is the myocardium, the middle layer, and the endocardium, the innermost layer. There are four chambers of the heart: the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle.
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Chambers of the Heart01:16

Chambers of the Heart

The human heart is a complex organ made up of four chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. These internal chambers are separated by partitions known as the interatrial and interventricular septa. The exterior of the heart features a groove known as the coronary sulcus that demarcates the atria from the ventricles, while the anterior and posterior interventricular sulci distinguish between the two ventricles.
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...
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...
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...