A rare case of isolated left ventricular non-compaction. Importance of image technology and disease awareness for a correct diagnosis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Egidio Mariotti1, Attilio Pierantozzi, Paolo Bocconcelli
1Cardiovascular Division, Emergency Department, Azienda Ospedaliera 'Ospedale San Salvatore', Pesaro, Italy. egmario@tin.it
Insights
A man initially diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was later found to have isolated left ventricular non-compaction. This diagnostic change highlights the impact of advanced echocardiographic imaging on cardiovascular disease diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- A 50-year-old male patient presented with sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in 1999.
- Initial investigations utilized fundamental echocardiographic imaging.
Observation:
- The initial diagnosis was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with dilatation and apical thrombus.
- A subsequent echocardiographic examination in 2003 employed a machine with second harmonic imaging.
Findings:
- The diagnosis was revised to isolated left ventricular non-compaction.
- Echocardiography revealed hypertrabeculations in the mid and basal septum (anterior and posterior) and a thin epicardial layer without endocardial thickening.
Implications:
- Advanced echocardiographic techniques, such as second harmonic imaging, can significantly alter cardiovascular diagnoses.
- This case underscores the importance of utilizing updated imaging modalities for accurate assessment of cardiac conditions like left ventricular non-compaction.
Abstract:
In 1999 a 50-year-old man with sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia came to our institution for investigation using fundamental echocardiographic imaging. A diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with dilatation and apical thrombus was made. In 2003, a new echocardiographic machine equipped with second harmonic imaging modality became available and after a second investigation the diagnosis was changed to isolated left ventricular non-compaction. The echocardiogram showed hypertrabeculations involving not only the mid-septum but also the basal septum (anterior and posterior) and a thin epicardial layer without the thickened endocardial component.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
