A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy might exhibit which of the following on their echo?

In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, one of the hallmark echocardiographic findings is asymmetric septal hypertrophy. This condition is characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly in the interventricular septum, which can lead to a variety of clinical symptoms and complications. The thickened septum can obstruct blood flow from the left ventricle during systole, a condition known as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, which is often seen in this patient population.

This feature is significant in the diagnosis and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as it directly influences the clinical presentation and potential treatment options. Echocardiographic imaging enables sonographers and cardiologists to visualize this specific thickening pattern, providing critical information for both diagnosis and prognostic evaluation.

The other options do not align with the typical echocardiographic characteristics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. For instance, thinning of the ventricular wall is generally associated with conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy rather than hypertrophic. Similarly, a dilated left ventricle is not a typical finding in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as the left ventricle usually remains normal in size or is smaller due to the increased thickness. An increased ejection fraction can