Noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium combined with polycystic kidney disease

Noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium (NVM) is a rare cardiac abnormality of unknown etiology. The condition is characterized by prominent and excessive trabeculations in a ventricular wall segment, with deep intertrabecular spaces perfused from the ventricular cavity. Polycystic kidney diseases are characterized by the formation of multiple cysts in the kidneys and liver and, less frequently, in the pancreas. Cardiovascular abnormalities including hypertension, mitral valve prolapse, and intracranial aneurysms are also frequently recognized. However, polycystic kidney disease and isolated ventricular noncompaction have not previously been correlated. Here, we describe one case of isolated noncompaction of ventricular myocardium with polycystic kidney disease, coupled with a progressive worsening of heart failure. We confirmed these abnormalities using contrast echocardiography, abdominopelvic computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.