Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: the elusive terrorist?

Described a century ago, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a unique disease with characteristic inappropriate myocardial hypertrophy that occurs in the absence of obvious cause for hypertrophy.(1-5) The macroscopic and microscopic features of this disease have been under detailed study since 1950. This is particularly significant in the background of it being one of the most common genetically transmitted cardiac disorders. There is scant data regarding this in Indian literature. In this context, the present study by Phadke et al of 14 cases of HCM is commendable. Phadke et al have critically analysed the pathological data of 14 retrospective cases of HCM. Their study spans 15 years during which time they confirmed HCM in about 14% of all cases of cardiomyopathy as identified in post-mortem. The macroscopic features include marked myocardial hypertrophy with relatively small left ventricular cavity. The finding that predominant left ventricular involvement is commoner than right ventricular is commensurate with our clinical experience..