Layer-specific myocardial function in asymptomatic cats with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy assessed using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

Layer-specific myocardial function assessed by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography differed in asymptomatic cats with obstructive HCM compared to controls despite their apparently normal systolic function, as determined by conventional echocardiography. The maintained endocardial circumferential strain and higher circumferential endocardial-to-epicardial strain ratio may reflect compensation for occult systolic dysfunction in cats with obstructive HCM.