‘Spade-like’ deformity of the cardiac apex on angiography is pathognomonic of:
💡 Explanation
## **Core Concept**
The question tests knowledge of cardiac imaging findings associated with specific heart conditions. The "spade-like" deformity of the cardiac apex is a characteristic feature observed in certain cardiac conditions. This deformity is often related to abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, , is associated with a condition that leads to a distinctive "spade-like" or "spade-shaped" deformity of the cardiac apex on imaging, particularly on left ventriculography or echocardiography. This condition is characterized by **apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHC)**, also known as Yamaguchi syndrome. In AHC, there is asymmetric hypertrophy of the left ventricular apex, which can cause the spade-like appearance due to the thickened apical myocardium.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** is incorrect because it does not correspond with the condition associated with a spade-like deformity of the cardiac apex.
- **Option B:** is incorrect because it does not match the condition known for causing a spade-like deformity.
- **Option D:** is incorrect because it is not the correct association for the described cardiac deformity.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHC) can present with a spade-like left ventricular configuration on imaging studies. This condition is a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and can lead to significant clinical manifestations, including chest pain, dyspnea, and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.