Intermediate
Technical
IVT
myocardial fibrosis
Abnormal accumulation of fibrous connective tissue in the myocardium, resulting from various cardiac injuries.
Full Definition
Myocardial fibrosis represents the pathological accumulation of collagen and other fibrous proteins in the heart muscle. This process can be reactive (secondary to injury or pressure overload) or replacement (following cardiomyocyte death). Fibrosis can be focal, as seen after myocardial infarction, or diffuse, as occurs in certain cardiomyopathies. The extent and pattern of fibrosis significantly impact cardiac function and are associated with increased risk of arrhythmias.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from other forms of myocardial replacement such as fatty infiltration.
In Context
- "Trichrome staining revealed extensive myocardial fibrosis in the posterior wall." — Histopathology report
- "The degree of myocardial fibrosis correlated with the duration of heart failure." — Research paper
Also known as
cardiac fibrosis
myocardial scarring
Contrasted with
myocardial regeneration
Don't confuse with
myocardial calcification
myocardial fatty infiltration