All are true about hyperophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, except
**Core Concept**
Hyperophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, leading to obstruction of blood flow and potentially life-threatening complications. This condition often affects the left ventricle, causing a narrowing of the outflow tract. The thickened muscle can lead to impaired diastolic function, further exacerbating symptoms.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is not specified, but we can evaluate each option based on the characteristics of HOCM. HOCM is often associated with a mutation in the MYBPC3 or MYH7 genes, which encode proteins essential for cardiac muscle contraction and relaxation. These mutations lead to an abnormal increase in the production of sarcomeric proteins, resulting in an excessive thickening of the heart muscle. The obstructive symptoms of HOCM are typically caused by the narrowing of the left ventricular outflow tract, which can be exacerbated by factors such as exercise, stress, or certain medications.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** HOCM is not typically associated with dilatation of the left ventricle. In fact, the condition is characterized by a concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle, leading to a reduction in the left ventricular cavity size.
**Option B:** While HOCM can cause arrhythmias, particularly ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, this is not a defining characteristic of the condition. Arrhythmias are a potential complication of HOCM, but they are not a hallmark feature.
**Option C:** HOCM is not typically associated with a significant increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume. In fact, the condition is characterized by a reduction in left ventricular cavity size, which can lead to impaired diastolic function.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical feature of HOCM is the presence of a "hypertrophied non-dilated left ventricle," which can be identified on echocardiography or cardiac MRI. This characteristic can help differentiate HOCM from other forms of cardiomyopathy.
**Correct Answer:** Not provided