Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

Relation of coronary microvascular dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to contractile dysfunction independent

Stefan A J Timmer1, Tjeerd Germans, Marco J W Götte

  • 1Department of Cardiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|March 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) impairs hyperemic myocardial blood flow (hMBF) and contractile function, independent of tissue alterations. Delayed contrast enhancement (DCE) indicates disease progression with reduced perfusion and function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is a complex disease affecting myocardial structure and function.
  • Understanding the interplay between blood flow, contractility, and tissue changes is crucial for managing HC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spatial relationships among hyperemic myocardial blood flow (hMBF), contractile function (E(cc)), and morphologic tissue alterations (delayed contrast enhancement - DCE) in patients with HC.
  • To compare these parameters between HC patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized oxygen-15 water positron emission tomography (PET) for assessing myocardial perfusion at rest and during adenosine stress.
  • Employed cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with tissue tagging to calculate E(cc) and derive DCE images.
  • Included 19 HC patients and 11 healthy controls in the study.

Main Results:

  • HC patients exhibited significantly reduced hMBF and E(cc) compared to controls.
  • DCE was observed exclusively in HC patients, indicating myocardial scarring or fibrosis.
  • Impaired hMBF and E(cc) were noted in segments with DCE, suggesting a link between perfusion deficits, dysfunction, and tissue damage.
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed E(cc) was independently related to both hMBF and DCE.

Conclusions:

  • In HC, hMBF is impaired and linked to contractile dysfunction, irrespective of DCE presence.
  • DCE in HC signifies a more advanced disease state, characterized by increased perfusion deficits and worsened contractile function.

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...
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance01:29

Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance

Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...
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,...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
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...