Phenotyping hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using cardiac diffusion magnetic resonance imaging: the relationship between microvascular dysfunction and microstructural changes

Abstract

In HCM patients, even in segments with normal wall thickness, normal perfusion, and no scar, diffusion is more isotropic than in controls, suggesting the presence of underlying cardiomyocyte disarray. Increased E2A suggests the myocardial sheetlets adopt hypercontracted angulation in systole. Increased MD, most notably in the subendocardium, is suggestive of regional remodelling which may explain the reduced subendocardial blood flow.