[The importance of echocardiography in differentiating between cardiac amyloidosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

Due to the development of ultrasonic technique the possibilities of echocardiography extend, not only visualization of the anatomy of the heart, but also visualization of its function. In many instances information on the anatomy and function of the heart obtained by echocardiography is a sufficient basis for the assessment of the correct diagnosis. In rare instances the information is not sufficient. Conversely, conclusions made only on its basis is frequently the cause of undetected cardiac amyloidosis which is mistaken for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The author, based on his own observations and data in the literature, emphasizes the importance of structural changes of cardiac tissues which can be assessed objectively by echocardiography and are of decisive importance for the differentiation of the above diseases. The presence of granular sparkling in the interventricular septum and the other left ventricular walls, and frequently also in the right ventricular wall, in the atrial walls and thickening of the valves are very sensitive and specific echocardiographic signs of cardiac amyloidosis.