What characterizes infiltrative myopathy?

Infiltrative myopathy is characterized by the presence of abnormal substances within the heart tissue. This condition often occurs due to diseases that lead to the deposition of various materials such as amyloid, glycogen, or iron, which infiltrate the myocardial cells. These substances disrupt normal cardiac function by affecting the structure and performance of the heart muscle. As a result, the heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood, leading to potential heart dysfunction or heart failure.

In contrast, reduced myocardial elasticity is more indicative of conditions leading to stiffening of the heart muscle rather than infiltrative processes. Increased myocardial perfusion is typically not associated with infiltrative myopathy; in fact, perfusion may be compromised in the presence of infiltrative diseases. Myocardial hypertrophy, which refers to the thickening of the heart walls, can occur in response to increased workload or pressure but is not a defining characteristic of infiltrative myopathy. Thus, the presence of abnormal substances in the heart tissue is the hallmark feature that defines this condition.