Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats
07:31

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats

Published on: December 2, 2016

The subaortic tendon as a mimic of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

James Ker1

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Gesina, Pretoria, South Africa 0031. jker@wol.co.za

Cardiovascular Ultrasound
|July 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular false tendons can mimic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) on echocardiograms. Differentiating these structures is crucial to avoid misdiagnosing HCM and ensure accurate patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is defined as ventricular hypertrophy without secondary causes.
  • HCM exhibits significant genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, with over 300 mutations identified across 24 genes.
  • The disease presentation varies widely, affecting different parts of the ventricles.

Observation:

  • Left ventricular false tendons are fibrous structures within the ventricular cavity.
  • A specific case highlighted a subaortic false tendon causing ST-segment elevation on ECG.
  • Another case demonstrated a subaortic tendon mimicking the echocardiographic features of HCM.

Findings:

  • Subaortic false tendons can present with echocardiographic findings characteristic of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • These findings can lead to a false positive diagnosis of HCM if not properly identified.

Implications:

  • Accurate differentiation between false tendons and true HCM is essential for correct diagnosis.
  • Exclusion of left ventricular false tendons is critical in the assessment of suspected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • This distinction prevents misdiagnosis and ensures appropriate patient management.

More Related Videos

A Minimally Invasive Model of Aortic Stenosis in Swine06:51

A Minimally Invasive Model of Aortic Stenosis in Swine

Published on: October 20, 2023

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 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...
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,...
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 IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
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...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...