Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy cardiac catheterization: Difference between revisions
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==Cardiac Catheterization== | |||
Upon [[cardiac catheterization]], [[catheter]]s can be placed in the left ventricle and the ascending [[aorta]], to measure the pressure difference between these structures. In normal individuals, during ventricular [[systole]], the pressure in the ascending aorta and the left ventricle will equalize, and the aortic valve is open. In individuals with [[aortic stenosis]] or with HCM with an outflow tract gradient, there will be a pressure gradient (difference) between the left ventricle and the aorta, with the left ventricular pressure higher than the aortic pressure. This gradient represents the degree of obstruction that has to be overcome in order to eject blood from the left ventricle. | |||
The '''Brockenbrough–Braunwald–Morrow sign''' is observed in individuals with HCM with outflow tract gradient. This sign can be used to differentiate HCM from aortic stenosis. In individuals with aortic stenosis, after a [[premature ventricular contraction]] (PVC), the following ventricular contraction will be more forceful, and the pressure generated in the left ventricle will be higher. Because of the fixed obstruction that the stenotic aortic valve represents, the post-PVC ascending aortic pressure will increase as well. In individuals with HCM, however, the degree of obstruction will increase more than the force of contraction will increase in the post-PVC beat. The result of this is that the left ventricular pressure increases and the ascending aortic pressure ''decreases'', with an increase in the LVOT gradient. | |||
[[Image:Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy_-_Intraventricular_Pressure_Tracing.png|thumb|400px|center|Pressure tracings demonstrating the Brockenbrough–Braunwald–Morrow sign<br><small>AO = Descending aorta; LV = Left ventricle; ECG = Electrocardiogram.<br>After the third [[electrocardiogram|QRS complex]], the ventricle has more time to fill. Since there is more time to fill, the left ventricle will have more volume at the end of [[diastole]] (increased [[Preload (cardiology)|preload]]). Due to the [[Frank-Starling law of the heart|Frank–Starling law of the heart]], the contraction of the left ventricle (and pressure generated by the left ventricle) will be greater on the subsequent beat (beat #4 in this picture). Because of the dynamic nature of the outflow obstruction in HCM, the obstruction increases ''more'' that the left ventricular pressure increase. This causes a fall in the aortic pressure as the left ventricular pressure rises (seen as the yellow shaded area in the picture).<br></small>]] | |||
While the Brockenbrough–Braunwald–Morrow sign is most dramatically demonstrated using simultaneous intra-cardiac and intra-aortic catheters, it can be seen on routine physical examination as a decrease in the pulse pressure in the post-PVC beat in individuals with HCM. | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist|2}} | |||
[[Category: Cardiology]] |
Revision as of 02:42, 6 September 2013
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Cardiac Catheterization
Upon cardiac catheterization, catheters can be placed in the left ventricle and the ascending aorta, to measure the pressure difference between these structures. In normal individuals, during ventricular systole, the pressure in the ascending aorta and the left ventricle will equalize, and the aortic valve is open. In individuals with aortic stenosis or with HCM with an outflow tract gradient, there will be a pressure gradient (difference) between the left ventricle and the aorta, with the left ventricular pressure higher than the aortic pressure. This gradient represents the degree of obstruction that has to be overcome in order to eject blood from the left ventricle.
The Brockenbrough–Braunwald–Morrow sign is observed in individuals with HCM with outflow tract gradient. This sign can be used to differentiate HCM from aortic stenosis. In individuals with aortic stenosis, after a premature ventricular contraction (PVC), the following ventricular contraction will be more forceful, and the pressure generated in the left ventricle will be higher. Because of the fixed obstruction that the stenotic aortic valve represents, the post-PVC ascending aortic pressure will increase as well. In individuals with HCM, however, the degree of obstruction will increase more than the force of contraction will increase in the post-PVC beat. The result of this is that the left ventricular pressure increases and the ascending aortic pressure decreases, with an increase in the LVOT gradient.
While the Brockenbrough–Braunwald–Morrow sign is most dramatically demonstrated using simultaneous intra-cardiac and intra-aortic catheters, it can be seen on routine physical examination as a decrease in the pulse pressure in the post-PVC beat in individuals with HCM.