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The asymmetrically hypertrophied septum. Further differentiation of its causes
Insights
An abnormal septal to left ventricular posterior wall ratio in children is common, often resolving naturally. Persistence may indicate underlying heart conditions like hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac Physiology
Background:
- The septal to left ventricular posterior wall ratio is an echocardiographic measurement.
- An abnormal ratio may indicate cardiac abnormalities in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of an abnormal septal to left ventricular posterior wall ratio in pediatric subjects.
- To determine factors associated with the persistence of this abnormal ratio.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiographic assessment of 58 subjects with abnormal septal to left ventricular posterior wall ratio.
- Correlation of echocardiographic findings with clinical cardiac status.
Main Results:
- Abnormal ratios were observed in healthy children and those with various cardiac lesions, including cardiomyopathy.
- In children without cardiomyopathy, the abnormal ratio typically resolved within 1-2 years.
- Persistent abnormal ratios were associated with increased right ventricular anterior wall thickness or idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
Conclusions:
- The cause of an abnormal septal to left ventricular posterior wall ratio is multifactorial.
- Persistence of an abnormal ratio warrants further investigation for underlying cardiac conditions.
Abstract:
Fifty-eight subjects with echocardiographic criteria for an abnormal septal to left ventricular posterior wall ratio were studied. Echocardiographic findings were related to clinical cardiac status. Abnormal ratios were found in normal children and in children with a variety of cardiac lesions, only one of which was obstructive or non-obstructive cardiomyopathy. In those without cardiomyopathy, the abnormal ratio usually resolved by one or two years of age. Persistence of abnormal ratio usually occurred in patients with increased right ventricular anterior wall thickness or idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. The cause of abnormal ratio is multifactorial.