Apical HCM Index: Explanation and Clinical Context The Apical HCM Index is a simple echocardiographic metric calculated as the ratio of maximal apical wall thickness to the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD).
It was first described by Kobayashi et al. to identify patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), particularly in populations where this variant is more prevalent, such as in Japan.
An Apical HCM Index > 0.5 is generally indicative of significant apical hypertrophy relative to the LV cavity and can help differentiate apical HCM from other forms of left ventricular hypertrophy.
This index provides an easy-to-use tool for early detection, risk stratification, and monitoring of disease progression in patients suspected of apical HCM.
Reference:
Kobayashi Y, et al. Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Implications. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45:1510-1517. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2005.01.052