Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery
Published on: November 28, 2018
Elderly manifestation of non-compaction of the ventricular myocardium
Altin Palloshi1, Patrizia Puccetti, Gabriele Fragasso
1Cardio-Thoracic Department, Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy. Altin_p@hotmail.com
Insights
Non-compaction of the ventricular myocardium (NCVM) is a rare heart condition. This report details an elderly patient, highlighting NCVM
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Pathology
Background:
- Non-compaction of the ventricular myocardium (NCVM) is a rare congenital heart defect.
- It is typically diagnosed in childhood and associated with significant mortality.
- NCVM in elderly individuals is exceptionally rare, with few documented cases.
Observation:
- A case of a 74-year-old male with left ventricular NCVM is presented.
- This represents one of the oldest reported patients with this condition.
- The patient experienced a late onset of NCVM symptoms and rapid clinical decline.
Findings:
- The case highlights NCVM in an advanced geriatric patient.
- Late-onset NCVM with rapid deterioration was observed.
- The patient's presentation challenges typical NCVM diagnostic timelines.
Implications:
- This case expands the known age spectrum for NCVM diagnosis.
- It supports the theory that NCVM may be multifactorial, not solely congenital.
- Further research into the diverse etiology and presentation of NCVM is warranted.
Abstract:
Non-compaction of the ventricular myocardium (NCVM) is a rare disorder of myocardial morphogenesis usually diagnosed in paediatric age associated with high mortality rates. Among reported cases, NCVM has been described in only six patients > or = 70 years. We describe the case of a 74-year-old male with NCVM involving the left ventricle, representing one of the oldest patients ever reported in the literature. Of note, this case was characterized by late appearance of NCVM and rapid deterioration of clinical conditions. The wide age range of symptom onset from prenatal to geriatric age supports the hypothesis that NCVM is a multifactorial rather than a simple congenital disorder.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

