By using an orderly approach the physician is able to correlate bedside observations and laboratory findings with pathophysiology and the basic elements of cardiac pathology, as shown in the following specimen.
Gross specimen
This gross pathology specimen from a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction demonstrates the classical findings seen with this disorder. The left atrium, mitral valve, interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall and cavity are labeled. There is a massive increase in the septal thickness and generalized ventricular hypertrophy throughout, as evidenced by the hypertrophied left ventricular posterior wall. The left ventricular cavity is small and the left atrium is dilated.
Histology section
This histology section demonstrates the bizarre appearance and disarray of the myocardial fibers, typical of this disorder.