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Left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction and stroke or embolism
Claudia Stöllberger1, Josef Finsterer
1Medizinische Abteilung, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Wien, Osterreich. claudia.stoellberger@chello.at
Cardiology
|November 13, 2004
Summary
Left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction (LVHT) is not a stroke risk factor alone. Oral anticoagulation is only recommended if LVHT accompanies systolic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction (LVHT) is a congenital heart condition.
- LVHT has been anecdotally linked to embolic events, including stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between LVHT and the incidence of stroke or embolism.
- To determine if LVHT is an independent risk factor for embolic events.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study.
- Comparison of 62 patients with LVHT against 62 matched controls.
- Analysis of stroke and embolism incidence based on age, sex, and left ventricular systolic function.
Main Results:
- The incidence of stroke/embolism was 10% in the LVHT group and 15% in the control group.
- No statistically significant increase in embolic events was observed in patients with LVHT compared to controls when other factors were considered.
Conclusions:
- LVHT, in isolation, does not appear to be a significant risk factor for stroke or embolism.
- Oral anticoagulation should be considered for patients with LVHT specifically when accompanied by left ventricular systolic dysfunction.