Regional heterogeneity of function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract

Circumferential myocardial segment shortening is depressed in HCM in the septum, inferior, and anterior regions and at all levels from apex to base, and much of the total cumulative shortening occurs early in systole. Longitudinal shortening is reduced in the basal septum in HCM. The heterogeneity of regional function in these patients may reflect the regional variation in the myocardial disarray and fibrosis that is characteristic of this disorder.