M-mode echocardiogram of aortic root in cardiomyopathy

In cardiomyopathy with reduced stroke volume, the systolic anterior excursion of the aortic (Ao) root is greatly reduced in comparison with the normal pattern. Additionally, the aortic valve (AoV) opening is greatly reduced, and its duration abbreviated. Just after achieving their maximum separation, the AoV leaflets immediately begin drifting closed, with a loss of the normal box-like configuration.