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World J Cardiol. Sep 26, 2014; 6(9): 916-923
Published online Sep 26, 2014. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i9.916
Multimodality imaging in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Rosario Parisi, Francesca Mirabella, Gioel Gabrio Secco, Rossella Fattori
Rosario Parisi, Francesca Mirabella, Gioel Gabrio Secco, Rossella Fattori, Interventional Cardiology, AO Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, 61121 Pesaro, Italy
Author contributions: All authors contributed to the production of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Rossella Fattori, MD, PhD, Interventional Cardiology, AO Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, Piazzale Cinelli 1, 61121 Pesaro, Italy. rossella.fattori@unibo.it
Telephone: +39-7-21362683 Fax: +39-7-21362291
Received: January 29, 2014
Revised: April 2, 2014
Accepted: July 15, 2014
Published online: September 26, 2014
Abstract

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM) is a relatively rare morphologic variant of HCM in which the hypertrophy of myocardium is localized to the left ventricular apex. Symptoms of AHCM might vary from none to others mimic coronary artery disease including acute coronary syndrome, thus resulting in inappropriate hospitalization. Transthoracic echocardiography is the first-line imaging technique for the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. However, when the hypertrophy of the myocardium is localized in the ventricular apex might results in missed diagnosis. Aim of this paper is to review the different imaging techniques used for the diagnosis of AHCM and their role in the detection and comprehension of this uncommon disease.

Keywords: Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Imaging techniques, Cardiac magnetic resonance, Transthoracic echocardiography, Multidetector computed tomography

Core tip: Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM) is a relatively rare morphologic variant of HCM in which the hypertrophy of myocardium is localized to the left ventricular apex. Aim of this paper is to review the different imaging techniques used for the diagnosis of AHCM and their role in the detection and comprehension of this uncommon disease.