Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

In terms of echocardiography, how would a thickened interventricular septum generally be evaluated?

1. Increased wall motion

2. Decreased wall motion

3. Normal wall motion

4. Dysfunctional wall motion

The correct answer is: Decreased wall motion

A thickened interventricular septum is typically indicative of certain pathological conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which often leads to changes in wall motion. In the context of echocardiography, when assessing a thickened interventricular septum, it is essential to understand how the motion of the septum can be affected by the underlying condition. In this case, decreased wall motion is observed due to the increased stiffness and mass associated with hypertrophy. This stiffness can impair the ability of the septum to contract effectively, resulting in reduced motion relative to the surrounding myocardial tissue. In a healthy heart, the interventricular septum exhibits a coordinated contraction; however, in the presence of hypertrophy, this coordination is disrupted, leading to decreased wall motion on echocardiographic evaluation. The evaluation may also indicate the presence of obstruction, as seen in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, further enhancing the significance of reduced wall motion as a clinical finding. Discerning these patterns is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions associated with a thickened septum effectively.