Primary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic cardiac disease caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins of the sarcomere and represents the most common genetic cardiomyopathy. These patients are at risk of development of severe left ventricular hypertrophy. Hypertrophy preferentially involves the interventricular septum in the basal LV segments but often extends into the lateral wall, posterior septum and LV apex. Although HCM is typically characterized by asymmetric septal hypertrophy, almost any myocardial segment may be involved. M mode measurements are used for accurate quantification of the interventricular septal and left ventricular posterior wall thickness taken at end diastole. In addition, the mitral valve structure can be abnormally thickened or elongated which can lead to narrowing of the left ventricular outflow tract and creation of dynamic obstruction across the left ventricular outflow tract. Complications of HCM include sudden death, ischemia and diastolic dysfunction.
Echocardiographic assessment should focus on the following:
Echocardiographic criteria are used to aid diagnosis of HCM: