Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pathological findings

Editors-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org], Cafer Zorkun, M.D. [mailto:zorkun@perfuse.org], Caitlin J. Harrigan [mailto:charrigan@perfuse.org], Martin S. Maron, M.D., and Barry J. Maron, M.D.

Microscopic Pathological Findings
Histopathologically, small vessels have hypertrophy of the tunica media. Combined with increased wall tension, decreased vasodilator reserve and inadequate capillary density, there is a mismatch between blood supply and demand. Over time, it is thought that there is repeated ischemia followed by fibrosis and eventually, dilation and systolic dysfunction (“burned out hypertrophy”).