wall motion abnormality
Regional impairment of ventricular contraction visible on cardiac imaging, typically indicating coronary artery disease.
Full Definition
Wall motion abnormalities refer to regional defects in ventricular contraction patterns observed on echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, or cardiac MRI. They are classified as hypokinesis (reduced motion), akinesis (absent motion), or dyskinesis (paradoxical motion). These abnormalities typically correspond to specific coronary artery territories and may be acute (from myocardial infarction) or chronic (from prior infarction or hibernating myocardium). Assessment uses standardized segmental models and helps determine coronary anatomy, viability, and prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Specify location using standardized segmental nomenclature and severity grading when reporting.
In Context
- "Echocardiography revealed anterior wall motion abnormalities consistent with LAD territory infarction." — echocardiogram report
- "Stress testing demonstrated reversible wall motion abnormalities in the inferior segments." — stress echocardiography report