Rapidly Progressive Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Not Everything is What It Seems

Ahmed K Mahmoud1, Juan M Farina1, Kamal Awad1

  • 1Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, US.

Insights

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a rare heart condition. This case shows its rapid development and diagnostic challenges in a patient with hypertension and a kidney transplant.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an uncommon form of HCM.
  • It presents unique diagnostic challenges compared to other HCM variants.

Observation:

  • A 43-year-old female with hypertension and a history of kidney transplantation experienced syncope and dyspnea.
  • Electrocardiogram revealed diffuse giant T-wave inversions.
  • Cardiac MRI confirmed HCM with circumferential apical thickening.

Findings:

  • The patient's presentation and imaging findings are consistent with apical HCM.
  • The case illustrates the potential for rapid progression of this condition.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of recognizing the distinct features of apical HCM.
  • Advanced imaging techniques like cardiac MRI are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Understanding rapid development is key for timely intervention in apical HCM.

Related Concept Videos

Layers of the Heart Wall01:15

Layers of the Heart Wall

The heart wall comprises three distinct layers: the epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium. The outermost layer, the epicardium, is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, featuring a thin, transparent mesothelial surface and an inner layer of areolar connective tissue with fat deposits that increase with age.
The myocardium, the thickest layer, consists of cardiac muscle cells interconnected by intercalated discs and crisscrossing connective tissue fibers. These muscle fibers contract...
7.2K
Heart Valves01:16

Heart Valves

The human heart is a complex organ with an intricate system of valves that regulate blood flow. There are two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
14.9K
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation01:29

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation

In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
1.3K
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
1.2K
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...
826
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...
805