From Imaging to Intervention: Navigating Apical Aneurysms in HCM

What are left ventricular apical aneurysms, and why do they pose such a high risk in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients? In this episode of In the Thick of It, Dr. Ethan Rowin and Dr. Jeffrey Geske delve into this rare but critical HCM phenotype. They discuss how to accurately define and detect apical aneurysms, the importance of advanced imaging techniques like contrast echocardiography and cardiac MRI, and the elevated risks of sudden cardiac death and stroke these patients face. This insightful conversation also provides insights into the evolving guidelines for ICD placement and the nuanced role of aneurysm size in risk stratification. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of HCM’s most challenging presentations.Season 2 of In the Thick of It is brought to you by the HCM Society, is supported by sponsorship from Cytokinetics, and is produced by Earfluence.