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Published on: August 28, 2018
Intramyocardial calcification in a patient with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Satoshi Kaimoto1, Tatsuya Kawasaki, Michiyo Yamano
1Department of Cardiology, Matsushita Memorial Hospital, Japan. kaimoto@zeus.eonet.ne.jp
Insights
Intramyocardial calcification, a rare heart condition, was diagnosed in a 72-year-old man with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Multidetector computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis, differentiating it from a suspected left ventricular apex thrombus.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Intramyocardial calcification is an exceptionally rare cardiac finding.
- Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can present with complex imaging characteristics.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old male patient with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was initially evaluated for a suspected left ventricular apex thrombus via echocardiography.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed apical intramyocardial calcification.
Findings:
- Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is crucial for accurately diagnosing intramyocardial calcification.
- The case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in differentiating cardiac masses from calcific deposits.
Implications:
- The underlying mechanisms of intramyocardial calcification require further investigation.
- This case contributes to understanding the diagnostic challenges and rare presentations of cardiac pathologies.
Abstract:
Intramyocardial calcification is a very rare condition. We report a case of a 72-year-old man with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, who was initially suspected of having a thrombus in the left ventricular apex on echocardiography, but was finally diagnosed as having apical intramyocardial calcification on multidetector computed tomography. The mechanism of developing intramyocardial calcification remains to be elucidated, but the patient has been stable for more than 2 years.
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