Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Troubleshooting FoCUS Image Acquisition: Patient Positioning, Transducer Manipulation, and Image Optimization
Published on: March 3, 2023
Insights
This review covers four left ventricular apical abnormalities, including noncompaction, apical hypertrophy, left ventricle aneurysm, and tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. While three conditions may be malignant, tako-tsubo is typically benign, with treatment tailored to patient condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Review of four distinct left ventricular apical abnormalities.
- Focus on clinical presentation, ECG, imaging, and coronary artery status.
- Comparison of malignant potential among conditions.
Discussion:
- Noncompaction, apical hypertrophy, and left ventricle aneurysm present potential malignancy.
- Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is generally considered benign.
- Treatment strategies are individualized based on patient's clinical status.
Key Insights:
- Differentiating apical abnormalities is crucial for prognosis.
- Imaging techniques play a vital role in diagnosis.
- Understanding the spectrum of left ventricular apical pathologies is essential.
Outlook:
- Further research into long-term outcomes of these conditions.
- Development of targeted therapies for malignant variants.
- Improved diagnostic criteria for earlier detection.
Abstract:
This editorial reviews the clinical presentation, electrocardiographic manifestations, appearance of the left ventricle by imaging techniques, and the state of the coronary arteries in four left ventricular apical abnormalities (Table I). Three of these conditions, namely, noncompaction, apical hypertrophy, and left ventricle aneurysm, can be somewhat malignant. The fourth condition--tako-tsubo--is generally benign. Treatment depends on the clinical condition of the patient.
Related Concept Videos
Chambers of the Heart
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System IV: Auscultation
Normal Heart Sounds
S1 (First Heart Sound)-
S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
S2 (Second Heart Sound)-
S2 is made by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves (semilunar valves), marking the end of the systole.
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
