Background

Midventricular hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by hypertrophy of anterolateral and posteromedial papillary muscles (PM) and the interventricular septum (IVS). Additionally, anomalies of PMs and abnormal chordal attachment of the anterior mitral leaflet (AML) to the IVS can cause systolic anterior motion (SAM) and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) with concomitant mitral regurgitation. Common treatment for HOCM is a myectomy of the hypertrophic IVS. However, surgical treatment of midventricular HOCM is usually challenging. The hypertrophic area cannot be reached via a transaortic approach. For that reason, a transapical ventriculostomy has been described as preferred access for surgical correction [1, 2]. In some cases of diffuse HOCM myectomy has been performed via trans-mitral septal myectomy with a video-assisted minimal invasive 2-dimensional (2D) technique [3].

We present a new approach with resection of hypertrophic PMs and MV replacement without septal myectomy in a patient with midventricular HOCM and hypertrophic PMs conducted via right anterolateral thoracotomy in 3-dimensional (3D) video-assisted minimal-invasive technique.

Case presentation

A 44-year-old man with known midventricular HOCM was referred to our center with progressive heart failure symptoms (NYHA III-IV) and atrial fibrillation, despite optimal medical therapy. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed severe diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle with an E-wave-amplitude of 147 cm/s, an E/e’ of 18,5 and a left atrium volume (LAV)-index of 65,4 ml/m2. It also showed a pronounced hypertrophic IVS causing a SAM phenomenon with concomitant mild mitral regurgitation and a peak left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient of 28mmHg with no aggravation during stress echocardiography. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) demonstrated significant hypertrophy of the anterolateral PM and an additional chorda between the PM and the IVS. To clarify the exact anatomy of involved structures cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) was performed (Fig. 1 preoperative cMRI). It showed a maximum IVS diameter of 29 mm at midventricular inferoseptal areas and confirmed PM hypertrophy and mild mitral regurgitation. Exercise stress electrocardiography showed horizontal ST-segment depressions in II, III and aVF with 1,3 − 1,5mV at J80-point with no T abnormalities. The septal branch appeared to be not suitable for alcohol ablation in cardiac angiogram.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Short axis and 4-chamber view pre- and postoperative cMRI of the hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The volume of the LV-cavity after resection of PMs increased. cMRI- cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, AL – anterolateral papillary muscle, PM – posteromedial papillary muscle, MR – mitral valve replacement

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After interdisciplinary heart team discussion surgical treatment was recommended. We performed a right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy after initiating extracorporeal circulation via the femoral vessels. After aortic x-clamping and induction of cardioplegic arrest, the left atrium was opened. In order to obtain optimal view on subvalvular structures and to identify the hypertrophic structures a 3D-Video-system (Endoeye 3D, Olympus Co., Tokyo, Japan) was used. After cryoablation the MV apparatus including chordae tendineae and both hypertrophic PMs was resected (Fig. 2) and a mechanical valve prothesis (St. Jude Medical 31 mm) was implanted. Notably, myectomy of the IVS was not performed. Figure 1postoperative cMRI shows the postoperative result. Comparison between pre- and postoperative MRI (Table 1) found increased indexed LV enddiastolic volume from 45 ml/m² to 49 ml/m² with corresponding increase in LV stroke volume elevation from 79 ml to 84 ml respectively (Fig. 1postoperative cMRI).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Resected MV apparatus. A Hypertrophic anterior Mitral leaflet, B anterolateral PM, C posterolateral PM

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Table 1 Pre- and postoperative MRI quantified cardiac functional parameters. LVEDV- left ventricular enddiastolic volume, LVEDVi- indexed left ventricular enddiastolic volume, LVESVi - indexed left ventricular endsystolic volume, LVEF – left ventricular ejection fraction, SV – stroke volume, HR – heart rate
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The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged without any residual symptoms. Two years after the operation, the patient remains free from symptoms.

Discussion and conclusion

Midventricular HOCM with severe hypertrophy of PMs is a uncommon subtype of HCM, which can cause dynamic intraventricular obstruction without LVOTO [4]. In our case, TTE showed peak LVOT gradient of only 28mmHg but confirmed severe diastolic dysfunction of the LV with significant hypertrophy of PMs and IVS. The patient suffered from severe heart failure symptoms. This procedure was performed as last remaining option before being listed for heart transplantation.

Despite substantive myectomy, cMRI LV functional parameters only changed minimally, however clinical symptoms alleviated significantly from NYHA III-IV to NYHA 0-I and remained stable 24 months postoperatively. We consider that reduction of midventricular stenosis as shown by cMRI and reduction of diastolic LV dysfunction are the causes of clinical improvement. However, myectomy is reported to improve diastolic function in patients with HOCM [5].

Resection of the hypertrophic IVS in midventricular HOCM is usually challenging as mentioned above. Septal myectomy holds the risk of an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect (VSD) [6]. In comparison with IVS resection, the presented technique was simple, secure and effective avoiding sternotomy. However, to exclude any chance of SAM phenomenon the MV was replaced. 3D scope was helpful to resect papillary muscles precisely up to the level of the apex. Although we did not try additional cryoablation might be effective in this setting.

In conclusion, the presented technique may be considered as new and alternative approach in patients with hypertrophic PMs and hypertrophic IVS as subtype of midventricular HOCM.