Septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in Friedreich's ataxia

Heather N Anderson1, Harold M Burkhart2, Jonathan N Johnson3

  • 11Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine,Mayo Clinic,Rochester,Minnesota,United States of America.

Cardiology in the Young
|February 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Friedreich's ataxia is a serious condition with limited treatments. A septal myectomy improved symptoms for a patient over seven years, suggesting it may help manage heart disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a progressive condition often associated with Friedreich's ataxia (FA).
  • Effective treatments for HCM in FA patients are currently limited.
  • FA is a rare inherited disease causing progressive nervous system damage.

Observation:

  • This case report details a patient diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia and symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • The patient underwent a surgical septal myectomy procedure for HCM management.
  • Clinical follow-up was conducted over a seven-year period post-surgery.

Findings:

  • The septal myectomy resulted in significant symptom improvement for the patient.
  • The surgical intervention appeared to mitigate the progression of heart disease.
  • Sustained symptomatic relief was observed over the 7-year follow-up period.

Implications:

  • Septal myectomy may be a potential therapeutic option for selected FA patients with HCM.
  • This procedure could help alleviate symptoms and potentially slow cardiac disease progression.
  • Further research is warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of septal myectomy in FA-associated HCM.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
721
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
442
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...
801
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...
920
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
488
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,...
805