A case report and analysis of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy causing an illusion of aortic stenosis

RATIONALE: This study aimed to report a case of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy causing an illusion of aortic stenosis on imaging. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 71-year-old woman presented with chest tightness after activity for 1 year and coughing for 2 months. A systolic 3/6 grade murmur was found in the third intercostals of the left border of sternum. Transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were all suggestive of aortic stenosis and left ventricular outflow tract stenosis. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with “severe aortic stenosis (bicuspid deformity), left ventricular outflow tract stenosis (moderate), and grade II cardiac function.“ She was advised aortic valve replacement and left ventricular outflow tract dredging. However, no aortic valve lesion was found during the operation, and the diagnosis was changed to “hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.” INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The morrow procedure was performed, and the patient recovered well after the operation. Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy was found to cause an illusion of aortic stenosis on imaging. LESSONS: Special attention and rational treatment should be paid to such patients. In addition, further studies are needed to distinguish between the two diseases to reduce misdiagnosis.