Apical HCM??

[Tommy Mac]

Any word on where we stand with ablations/myectomies for apical HCM patients at this point in time? Last I read, they were still in the "experimental" stages.

[Lisa Salberg]

I only know one center doing apical myectomys - The Mayo and they have only done a handful. There is no data as to if there is any improvement in quality of life, symptoms or anything else.
When I know more...so will you all :wink:
Lisa

[lazam]

Where have all the Apicals gone. There have been no posts here for a very long time. Anyway, they only perform myectomies on Apical because alcohol ablation is not suitable for Apical. I would really like to hear from others with Apical, We are a very unique group, and although more prevalent in Japan, those people don't seem to post here,
Lazam

[Sarah]

The research I've read indicates that it is more prevalent in the rest of the world than previously thought, but I'm reading the excerpt from Dr. Maron's letter below and he says apical accounts for about 3% of all HCM.

Small studies have shown no increase in mortality in apical HCM than other kids--in fact even saying it is pretty benign.

There was some discussion of apical HCM in 2006 in JAMA but it is $15 an article if you don't have a subscription.


Prognosis of Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Refaat
JAMA.2007; 298: 2006

Prognosis of Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy—Reply
Barry J. Maron; Paolo Spirito
JAMA 2007; 298: 2006-a.

[mellencm]

The echo that was done on my husband post myectomy showed "increased mid and apical gradient." This was never talked about to us prior to his surgery, which corrected his substantial LVOT.

What is apical HCM? We asked why it wasn't corrected during his surgery, and were told that it can't be corrected surgically, but has to be done medically.

We're a bit confused.

Ellen

[Pam Alexson]

See this thread:

http://www.4hcm.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7386&highlight=apical+HCM

AND this thread:

http://www.4hcm.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13342&highlight=apical+HCM

[mellencm]

Thanks. Great links. Much appreciated.
Ellen