Pattern of left ventricular hypertrophy seen on transthoracic echo in patients with hypertensive cardiomyopathy when compared with idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objective: To explore the pattern of left ventricular hypertrophy caused by hypertension and to compare it with idiopathic hypertrophiccardiomyopathy. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the echocardiography lab of Rashid Hospital, Dubai, from January 2009 to January 2010. Cases of 11 patients with significant left ventricular hypertrophy (septum 15mm) due to underlying hypertension were analysed and compared with 11 cases of idiopathic hypertrophic cardiography (septum 15mm) to assess the two groups with similar baseline echocardiographic features. Minitab software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Although the pattern of hypertrophy in hypertensive patients was more concentric (n=5; 45%), there was also asymmetrical septal hypertrophy in 4 (36%) cases, particularly the elderly with sigmoid shape septum. There was evidence of resting mid-cavity gradient due to reduced left ventricular end-systolic diametre in 4 (36%) cases. Conclusion: Although the equation between hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy is more concentric, but it can be associated with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and significant mid-cavity gradients similar to that seen in idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.