[The ultrasonic characterization of myocardial hypertrophy: new prospects]

The extensive use of ultrasound imaging in cardiology has greatly contributed to expand both its diagnostic possibilities and its utility in the interpretation of physiopathologic mechanisms. Conventional echocardiography is the more specific technique for the diagnosis of myocardial hypertrophy which, in turn, is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors. The improvement of ultrasound technology may expand the possibility of noninvasive characterization of left ventricular hypertrophy by adding to the already known information about left ventricular mass and function, and that relative to the degree of hypertrophy-related fibrosis. In the present paper the authors reviewed the knowledge about biological and hemodynamic factors which contribute to the development and regression of myocardial hypertrophy. The possible role of new ultrasonic technology in the tissue characterization of myocardial hypertrophy is also discussed.