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Published on: August 8, 2022
A Rare Case of Mass-Like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Juwairiya Shuroog1, Justin Canakis2, Fawad J Khan1
1Internal Medicine, TidalHealth, Salisbury, USA.
Insights
Mass-like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a rare variant causing focal hypertrophy. Early identification of this condition is crucial for effective patient management and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) typically presents with mid-ventricular or asymmetric septal hypertrophy.
- Mass-like HCM, a rare variant, can mimic cardiac tumors, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old female with a history of syncope and orthostatic hypotension presented with recurrent presyncope.
- Cardiac MRI revealed focal mass hypertrophy of the basal anterior to mid anterior wall, measuring up to 2.5 cm.
- Initial treatment with IV fluids and beta-blockers was complicated by worsening symptoms, necessitating midodrine therapy.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation mimicked a cardiac fibroma due to focal hypertrophy.
- Serial imaging and potential ICD placement were planned if the mass reached 3 cm.
- Surgical intervention was considered if symptoms progressed.
Implications:
- Recognizing and reporting anomalous variants of HCM, such as mass-like HCM, is vital for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare cardiac conditions.
- Optimal management of mass-like HCM requires a multidisciplinary approach, including serial monitoring and consideration of advanced therapies.
Abstract:
Mass-like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a unique variant of HCM. HCM predominantly causes mid-ventricular, concentric hypertrophy, and asymmetric septal hypertrophy; however, focal hypertrophy mimicking a cardiac fibroma is rare. A 29-year-old female with a past medical history of recurrent orthostatic hypotension and syncope presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of lightheadedness, dizziness, and generalized weakness associated with a syncopal episode. The patient reported a history of recurrent pre-syncope and syncope since her teenage years, as well as a family history of sudden cardiac death. Three years prior to her current presentation, the patient had an exercise stress test, 24-hour Holter monitor, and two echocardiograms that were unremarkable. Three weeks prior to presentation, the patient had a cardiac MRI that revealed focal mass hypertrophy of the basal anterior to mid anterior wall measuring up to 2.5 cm. In the ED, the patient was treated with intravenous fluid and beta-blockers; however, beta-blocker therapy had to be discontinued because the patient was experiencing presyncopal episodes and orthostatic hypotension. The patient was started on midodrine with partial improvement lightheadedness, dizziness, and presyncope. The patient was transferred to a tertiary center with the plan to do serial imaging and place an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) if the focal mass thickness reached 3 cm and explore surgical intervention if symptoms worsened. Identifying and reporting anomalous variants of HCM is critical for optimal management of patient care and to improve outcomes.
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