What Histological Changes Can Echocardiography Detect?
Echocardiography can detect several histological changes in the heart tissue, including:
Fibrosis: Increased connective tissue within the myocardium, which can be seen as areas of reduced movement or increased echogenicity. Hypertrophy: Thickening of the myocardial walls, often seen in conditions like hypertension or aortic stenosis. Inflammation: Swelling or thickening of the pericardium or myocardium, which may indicate conditions like myocarditis or pericarditis. Calcification: Deposits of calcium within the valves or myocardium, often seen in aging or disease processes.
