Right ventricular involvement in obstructive cardiomyopathies: haemodynamic studies in 13 cases.

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Abstract
Pressure gradients in the right ventricle have been studied in obstructive cardiomyopathy and in another group of patients. In the former, studies were made at rest, during infusion of isoprenaline and propranolol, and after asynchronous pacing. In obstructive cardiomyopathies, the results suggest that right ventricular obstruction is constant and is due to both muscular hypertrophy and a dynamic disorder of the contraction. A severe degree of obstruction is seldom found between the inflow and outflow tracts of the right ventricle, whereas there is considerable evidence that the obstruction predominantes in the apex of the right ventricle. Diastolic filling of this portion of the ventricle is grossly restricted. Pressure records and cine-angiocardiography demonstrate that the apex is cut-off from the upper part of the ventricle during systole. Further studies are necessary for a proper evaluation of the involvement of the right ventricle in determining the signs and symptoms of obstructive cardiomyopathy and the therapeutic approach to the disease.