Echocardiographic and Doppler assessment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Echocardiographic and Doppler studies are invaluable in the detection and management of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, since virtually all aspects of the disorder can be evaluated. Echocardiography is the primary method of diagnosis, and hemodynamic studies are required usually only when surgery is contemplated. All patients should if possible undergo complete M-mode, two-dimensional, Doppler, and color flow studies to define the extent of hypertrophy, the hemodynamic subgroup, quantitation of left ventricular outflow obstruction, mitral regurgitation when present, and an assessment of diastolic function. Patients undergoing medical or surgical therapy for this disorder should have repeat studies performed to assess the effects of therapy on the degree of obstruction and diastolic dysfunction.