Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Author Information
Author(s): Strijack Bradford, Ariyarajah Vignendra, Soni Reeni, Jassal Davinder S, Greenberg Cheryl R, McGregor Robert, Morris Andrew
Primary Institution: University of Manitoba
Hypothesis
Can late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) indicate myocardial scarring in asymptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)?
Conclusion
The study found extensive myocardial scarring in an asymptomatic patient with HCM, suggesting that cardiac fibrosis may precede other phenotypic expressions of the disease.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, including sudden cardiac death.
- Cardiovascular magnetic resonance showed normal left ventricular function but extensive late gadolinium enhancement.
- Genotyping revealed a mutation in the cardiac troponin T gene associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Takeaway
This study shows that even if someone with a family history of heart problems looks healthy, they might still have hidden heart damage that can be seen with special imaging.
Methodology
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed to assess myocardial function and detect myocardial scar.
Limitations
The findings are based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 35-year-old asymptomatic Caucasian female with a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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