hypokinesis
Pronunciation: hahy-poh-ki-NEE-sis
Reduced or decreased wall motion of a cardiac segment, indicating impaired contractility.
Full Definition
Hypokinesis refers to diminished contractile function of a specific myocardial segment, typically identified on echocardiography, cardiac MRI, or ventriculography. This wall motion abnormality represents a spectrum between normal contractility and akinesis (absence of motion). Hypokinesis may be caused by ischemia, infarction, stunning, hibernation, or cardiomyopathy. In imaging reports, hypokinesis is often graded as mild, moderate, or severe and is localized to specific coronary territories. The term is fundamental to cardiac imaging interpretation and prognosis assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Note spelling with 'sis' ending, not 'sia'. Distinguished from akinesis (no motion) and dyskinesis (abnormal motion).
In Context
- "Mild hypokinesis of the anterior wall was observed on echocardiography." — Echocardiography report
- "The inferior segments showed moderate hypokinesis consistent with prior infarction." — Cardiac MRI report