Echocardiographic Observations in Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis

The abnormalities seen by echocardiography in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) are consistent with the known anatomy and give a better insight into the altered pathophysiology of this condition. At present, echocardiography is a simple, convenient, rapid, safe, and accurate means of confirming the diagnosis of IHSS and following the course of the patients. We direct attention to a previously unrecognized echocardiographic abnormality of the ventricular septum and review the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis, natural history, follow-up, assessment of therapy, and family study of IHSS.