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Stroke and ventricular dysfunction in a patient with isolated left ventricular noncompaction
Makoto Nakajima1, Teruyuki Hirano, Hideki Doi
1Department of Medicine, Kumamoto Rosai Hospital. nakazima@fc.kuh.kumamoto-u.ac.jp
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|August 7, 2007
Summary
Cardioembolic stroke in a patient with isolated noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium may indicate worsening heart function. Anticoagulation may be best initiated when left ventricular systolic function declines below normal levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Isolated noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium is a rare cardiac condition.
- Cardioembolic stroke is a serious complication that can arise from cardiac abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman presented with a cardioembolic stroke.
- Transthoracic echocardiography revealed isolated noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium.
- Left ventricular systolic function was initially mildly depressed and worsened significantly over three months.
Findings:
- The cardioembolic stroke likely occurred as left ventricular systolic function began to deteriorate.
- This case suggests a correlation between declining ventricular function and embolic events in noncompaction patients.
Implications:
- Early monitoring of left ventricular systolic function is crucial in patients with isolated noncompaction.
- Initiating anticoagulation when left ventricular systolic function falls below normal may prevent stroke in these patients.
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