Ventricular hypertrophy in a young weightlifter

• Published in: Heart (British Cardiac Society) Vol. 110; no. 3; pp. 194 - 220
• Main Authors: Dadarlat-Pop, Alexandra, Tomoaia, Raluca, Șerban, Adela Mihaela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Cardiovascular Society 01.02.2024; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Androgens; Cardiac Imaging Techniques; Cardiomyopathy; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Image challenge; Medication Adherence; Mutation; Patient compliance; Steroids; Cardiac Imaging Techniques; Medication Adherence; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic
• ISSN: 1355-6037; 1468-201X
• DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2023-323413

Genetic analysis excluded sarcomere protein gene mutations as well as other genetic causes of cardiomyopathy including metabolic diseases and neuromuscular disorders. Athlete’s heart Anabolic steroid-induced cardiomyopathy Hypertensive cardiomyopathy Cardiac amyloidosis Answer: B Although mutations in the sarcomere protein genes are often the cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM),1 acquired aetiologies such as chronic drug exposure can cause inappropriate left ventricular structural changes.2 Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are synthetic derivatives that mimic the effects of male hormone testosterone and are used as performance-enhancing drugs. The use of doping drugs has been linked to increasing risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias with exercise.5 Thus, late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance has increasingly proven its role in risk stratification of patients with HCM, especially as fibrosis may constitute the underlying arrhythmogenic substrate5 (figure 2).