[Idiopathic myocardial hypertrophy].

Pathoanatomical studies on the hearts of 20 fatal cases of idiopathic myocardial hypertrophy (IMH) were carried out. In all the cases the dilatational form of IMH was found. The utilization of routine histological methods did not reveal any changes specific for the dilatational form of IMH with the exception of uneven hypertrophy of myocardial fibers. In most cases, sclerotic changes in the endocardium and subendocardial parts of the myocardium were observed in the area of the efferent tract of the left ventricle. In the analysis of case histories of the patients dying with IMH noteworthy was a rapid progression of the symptoms of cardiac failure stubborn to treatment as well as ECG signs of significant disorders in rhythm and conductivity. The etiological factors and pathogenetical mechanisms of IMH remain obscure.