Myocardial texture in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Overview

BACKGROUND: This study was conceived to assess associations between integrated backscatter signal at end diastole (IBS) and diastolic properties in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: In 46 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, septal IBS was calculated by both applying an appropriate regression correction (IBSc) and by relating it to pericardial reflectivity (IBSp). Difference in duration between transmitral forward and pulmonary venous backward velocities (A-Ar) was measured as an estimate of passive diastolic filling. In all, 38 patients underwent ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring for 48 hours. RESULTS: IBS inversely correlated to both A-Ar (IBSc, r = -.522, P < .001; IBSp, r = -.302, P = .041) and mitral peak velocity at atrial contraction (IBSc, r = -.464, P = .002; IBSp, r = -.413, P = .004). Moreover, IBS was greater in patients with sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (IBSc, 28.5 +/- 3.8 vs 25.4 +/- 3.8 dB, P = .034). CONCLUSIONS: Septal IBS correlates with Doppler parameters of left ventricular chamber stiffness in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Increased IBS is associated with presence of ventricular arrhythmias.