Perfusion Imaging With Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography in HCM

The objective of this study is to determine whether myocardial contrast echocardiography in patients with cardiomyopathy (HCM) can detect resting hypo-perfusion due to fibrosis or stress induced perfusion defects due to associated abnormalities in intramyocardial arteries and the microcirculation. A secondary aim will be to determine whether abnormalities in perfusion are associated with either severity of symptoms (chest pain and dyspnea), presence of arrhythmias, and regional function of the septum.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-80 years
• Established diagnosis of HCM

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known history of coronary or peripheral artery disease
• History of myocardial infarction
• Pregnant or lactating females
• Hypersensitivity to any ultrasound contrast agent
• Evidence right-to-left or bi-directional intracardiac shunt
• Moderate or greater valve disease other than from HCM (systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve)
• History of septal ablation or myectomy
• Hemodynamic instability
• Pacemaker dependent heart rhythm