In pediatric patients, what finding on an ECG could suggest hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

In pediatric patients, the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy on an ECG can indeed suggest hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is characterized by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the left ventricle, which can ultimately lead to impaired cardiac function. The significant thickening of the myocardium alters the electrical conduction within the heart, often resulting in patterns that can be detected through an ECG.

In the case of left ventricular hypertrophy, the ECG may show increased voltage criteria, such as higher amplitude R waves in the precordial leads, and may also exhibit changes in the overall morphology of the QRS complexes. These findings are consistent with the structural changes associated with HCM, making this an important diagnostic clue.

Other findings such as right ventricular hypertrophy, ST elevation, or atrial fibrillation do not specifically indicate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and could be associated with different cardiac or non-cardiac conditions. Therefore, left ventricular hypertrophy is a key finding that supports the diagnosis of HCM in pediatric patients.