Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

What appearance might the myocardium exhibit in restrictive cardiomyopathy?

1. Increased echogenicity

2. Thinned

3. Decreased echogenicity

4. No change in echogenicity

The correct answer is: Increased echogenicity

In restrictive cardiomyopathy, the myocardium often exhibits increased echogenicity due to the presence of excessive extracellular matrix deposition, which is generally a result of fibrosis. This fibrotic change alters the acoustic properties of the myocardial tissue, making it appear brighter on an echocardiogram compared to normal myocardium. The increase in echogenicity reflects the stiffening of the heart muscle, which is characteristic of restrictive physiology. Unlike other forms of cardiomyopathy, such as dilated or hypertrophic forms where the wall might become thinned or maintain normal echogenicity, restrictive cardiomyopathy leads to a distinctive echocardiographic appearance. Understanding these changes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of patients with this condition. Through echocardiography, clinicians can assess these changes to aid in differentiating restrictive cardiomyopathy from other types of heart diseases.