Open AccessHypertrophic cardiomyopathy evolving into a hypokinetic and dilated left ventricle: Coronary embolization as a probable pathogenetic mechanism
Author(s) -
Gravanis M. B.,
Robinson P. H.,
Hertzler G. L.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960130714
Subject(s) - medicine , ventricle , cardiology , dilated cardiomyopathy , hypertrophic cardiomyopathy , mechanism (biology) , cardiomyopathy , heart failure , philosophy , epistemology
A long‐term follow‐up (9 years) in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy revealed an evolution to a hypokinetic and dilated left ventricle. The patient underwent heart transplantation, and therefore the native heart was available for morphologic studies. Gross and microscopic stigmata of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were present, as well as evidence of left ventricular dilatation. Multiple myocardial scars in both ventricles indicated past ischemic episodes, most probably due to coronary embolization from left ventricular mural thrombi. Other possible pathogenetic mechanisms for the progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to a dilated one are discussed.