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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
Multiple left ventricular diverticula detected by second harmonic imaging: a case report
Masaki Takahashi1, Toshio Nishikimi, Kouichi Tamano
1Department of Hypertension and Cardiorenal Medicine, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan.
Insights
This study highlights the diagnostic utility of second harmonic imaging in identifying multiple left ventricular diverticula, a rare congenital anomaly. This advanced echocardiography technique aids in detecting these abnormalities, crucial for preventing serious complications like systemic thromboembolism.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Left ventricular diverticula (LVD) are rare congenital anomalies.
- They can lead to serious complications, including systemic thromboembolism.
- Conventional echocardiography may not always detect LVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic capability of second harmonic imaging in identifying left ventricular diverticula.
- To report a case of multiple left ventricular diverticula diagnosed using advanced echocardiography.
Main Methods:
- A 51-year-old male with chest pain underwent conventional 2D echocardiography.
- Second harmonic imaging was employed to visualize the left ventricle.
- Left ventriculography was used for confirmation of findings.
Main Results:
- Conventional echocardiography showed normal left ventricular function.
- Second harmonic imaging revealed three left ventricular diverticula (two noncontractile, one contractile).
- Diagnosis was confirmed by left ventriculography.
Conclusions:
- Second harmonic imaging enhances visualization of left ventricular endocardial borders, proving useful for diagnosing LVD.
- Early diagnosis and management, such as anticoagulant therapy, are vital for preventing complications associated with LVD.
Abstract:
A 51-year-old Japanese man was admitted to hospital for evaluation of anterior chest pain at rest. He had a past history of cerebellar infarction when he was 47 years old. A conventional 2-dimensional echocardiogram revealed normal left ventricular function, and no abnormal findings. However, second harmonic imaging demonstrated 2 noncontractile diverticula at the submitral annular portion of the posterior wall of the left ventricle. Second harmonic imaging revealed another contractile diverticulum at the anterior wall of left ventricle in the short-axis view. These findings were confirmed by left ventriculography. After confirming the diagnosis of multiple left ventricular diverticula, a rare type of congenital anomaly, anticoagulant therapy was started and he is well to date. Left ventricular diverticula are clinically very important because they are often associated with serious complications such as systemic thromboembolism. Enhancement of the left ventricular endocardial borders by second harmonic imaging is useful for the diagnosis of left ventricular diverticula.
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