LVH

Hypertrophy in which an organ increases in size to meet increased functional demands, as of the heart in valvular disorders.

Hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil. It occurs commonly in children and may be congenital or result from infection of Waldeyer ring.

A regional or generalized hypertrophy in myocardial mass. It may be caused by exercise, chronic hypertension, genetic illnesses, or valvular dysfunction. Synonym: hypertrophy of the heart

Hypertrophy due to increased function of an organ because of a defect or impaired function of the opposite of a paired organ.

Hypertrophy in which the walls of an organ become thickened without enlargement but with diminished capacity.

Hypertrophy of an organ with dilatation.

Hypertrophy with degeneration of one constituent of an organ and its replacement by another.

Hypertrophy of the gums, sometimes associated with prolonged treatment with medications such as cyclosporine, nifedipine, or phenytoin. Thorough professional cleaning of the teeth, electrosurgical, laser, or conventional surgical treatments can remove the excess tissue.

Hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart to greater than 100 g/m² in women or 131 g/m² in men. Hypertrophy of the left ventricle is associated with an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other causes. The size of the left ventricle can be reduced through regular exercise, weight loss, and by drugs that control high blood pressure. LVH can be detected nonivasively by its appearance on the 12-lead electrocardiogram or by echocardiography.

Hypertrophy caused by an increase in structural elements.

Hypertrophy due to natural rather than pathological factors.

A disease, usually of childhood, characterized by paralysis, depending on degeneration of the muscles, which paradoxically become enlarged from a deposition of fat and connective tissue.

Symptoms

The disease causes muscle weakness. The patient is awkward and often seeks support while walking to prevent falls. As the disease progresses, the muscles, particularly those of the calf, thigh, buttocks, and back, enlarge. The upper extremities are less frequently affected. When the patient stands erect, the feet are wide apart, the abdomen protrudes, and the spinal column shows a marked curvature with convexity forward. Rising from the recumbent position is accomplished by grasping the knees or by resting the hands on the floor in front, extending the legs and pushing the body backward. The gait is characterized by waddling. In a few years the paralysis becomes so marked that the patient is unable to leave the bed, which leads to further generalized muscular atrophy.

Treatment

Physical therapy helps to prevent contractures, but there is no effective therapy. The prognosis for this disease is unfavorable.

Hypertrophy due to an increase in the size of structural parts.

Hypertrophy caused by an increase in the size of all the different tissues composing a part.

Left or right ventricular hypertrophy.

Hypertrophy of an organ when another organ of allied function is disabled or destroyed.

Hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart to greater than 100 g/m² in women or 131 g/m² in men. Hypertrophy of the left ventricle is associated with an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other causes. The size of the left ventricle can be reduced through regular exercise, weight loss, and by drugs that control high blood pressure. LVH can be detected nonivasively by its appearance on the 12-lead electrocardiogram or by echocardiography.

See also: hypertrophy