Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
08:10
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
2.2K
Left Atrial Mechanical Function and Global Strain in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Kyung-Jin Kim1,2, Hong-Mi Choi1,2, Yeonyee E Yoon1,3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Plos One
|June 24, 2016
Summary
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients exhibit significant left atrial (LA) remodeling and dysfunction. Increased left ventricular (LV) mass, not myocardial fibrosis, is the primary driver of these LA changes in HCM.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), linked to adverse outcomes.
- Left atrial (LA) remodeling and dysfunction are implicated in AF development in HCM, but their specific characteristics remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in LA size and mechanical function in HCM patients compared to controls.
- To identify HCM characteristics associated with LA remodeling and dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Compared 79 HCM patients to 79 age/sex-matched controls and 20 young healthy controls.
- Assessed LA dimensions, volume, and global strain (ε) using 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography.
- Evaluated HCM phenotype, maximal LV wall thickness, LV mass, and LGE via cardiac MRI.
Main Results:
- HCM patients demonstrated increased LA volume index and impaired LA reservoir function and strain (ε) compared to controls.
- Higher LV mass index was significantly associated with increased LA volume index and reduced LA strain (ε) in HCM patients.
- LV myocardial fibrosis (LGE extent) was not independently associated with LA remodeling or dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- HCM patients exhibit significant LA remodeling and dysfunction.
- Increased LV mass index is the primary determinant of LA remodeling and dysfunction in HCM, outweighing the role of LV myocardial fibrosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
636
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...
636
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
1.3K
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...
1.3K
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
885
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...
885
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
591
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...
591
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
3.4K
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
3.4K
01:22Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
1.1K
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
1.1K